DALTON, Mass. —  John O. Forward Jr. passed away on May 2, 2020, at Craneville Place in Dalton, due to a long battle with cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's and recently with dementia.

He was the son of John O. Forward and Mildred Hosburgh Forward. John loved hunting and fishing, as well as skiing in his teenage years. He was a carpenter for more than 35 years, and was a member of the Hinsdale Jr. Fire Department, and then became a member of the Hinsdale Volunteer Firemen’s Association. He was on the Hinsdale Muster Team for several years as well.

He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Carole Bellinger Forward; three sons, John E. Forward of Dalton and William T. Forward and Stephen Forward, both of Hinsdale; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Sayres (Brian) of Dalton, Brandon Forward (Brianna) of Vermont, Zachary Forward (Nick) of North Carolina, Elijah Forward of Hinsdale, and Cameron, Xander and Jacoby all of Hinsdale; four great-grandchildren, Deakan, Aubrianna, McKenzie and Aleah; his sister, Diana P. Martin; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his niece, DianaBeth Fassell.

The family would like to thank his doctors, nurses, BMC Infusion Center, Craneville Place, Kindred At Home and HospiceCare in The Berkshires, for their love and care for John.

Funeral notice: There will be no services. DERY-FOLEY FUNERAL HOME is handling the arrangements. Donations in his memory may be made to the Jimmy Fund Clinic; The Hinsdale Congregational Church; or the Hinsdale Volunteer Firemen’s Association in care of the funeral home, 890 E. Main St. Dalton, MA 01226.