Jay T. Forbes

Albany-Jay T. Forbes, 88, died peacefully on March 12, 2023. Jay was born in Yonkers and was the son of the late George and Margaret Forbes. Jay grew up in Yonkers with his brother George, sisters Lynn and Dana. Jay graduated from Roosevelt High School and served in the US Army for two years from 1954-1956. Jay was an electrician his whole career, working in Westchester County for the local IBEW union. Jay loved telling stories about people he met on the job. Jay, already a father of three, married his wife Marlene Finnegan-Forbes in 1986, and bravely became a stepfather to seven children, including several teenagers. Jay handled this role with humility and humor. Jay and Marlene lived in Peekskill for several years together before retiring and moving to Olmsteadville, New York, a place they both loved. As much as Jay loved all things Yonkers, he found heaven on earth in the Adirondacks. It was his love of North Creek that brought Jay and Marlene to build a house close by and live there for their next 24 years. Jay's brother George and his wife Carol retired there soon after where they enjoyed years of morning coffee together, dinner at Basil &Wick's and generally making fun of each other. Jay and Marlene loved their "round table" gatherings with friends on Sundays at Izzie's. Jay's years spent with friends and family in North Creek meant a great deal to him. He was happiest when all the kids and grandkids came to visit. Jay loved the outdoors-skiing Gore Mountain and the trails at Garnet Hill, fishing the local lakes, ice skating, swimming, canoeing, kayaking or taking one of the many scenic drives throughout the North Country. Jay was active until his mid-eighties-chopping his own wood, fixing his barn and generally anything that required him to use tractors and his old beast of a truck. Jay loved adventure and traveling with Marlene to Ireland, the Caribbean, Nova Scotia and their many trips with family to the shores of Cape May. Jay and Marlene drove across country on an extensive trip to national parks and historic sites. Jay and Marlene enjoyed dancing to live music throughout their 37 years of marriage, and dancing even when there was no music much to the embarrassment of their kids. Jay will be remembered as having a fabulous sense of humor-enjoying classic comedies, playing practical jokes with his brother and not taking himself too seriously. He was only serious when talking about American-made products, supporting veterans and his politics. Jay loved playing cards and games even though he rarely won. He loved his pizza pies and rice pudding-having sampled both extensively every place he went. He will be missed by us greatly. The family would like to thank Joy, Kiara, Patty and Sister Peggy for helping Jay the past year which enabled him to live at home with Marlene. Even though the past few years were tough on Jay and his memory faded, he always remembered he loved his family and friends. Jay was predeceased by his beloved daughter Tracey, whom he adored greatly. Jay is survived by his loving wife Marlene Finnegan -Forbes, his dear son Stephen (Carol) Forbes, and his devoted son in law, Mike Macur. Jay is also survived by his adoring stepchildren Kelly (Rob) Cartwright, Maureen (John ) Harris, Keith (Alice Williams) Finnegan, Sharon Trotti, Michael Finnegan, Ken (Lynn) Finnegan, Kevin (Tina) Finnegan and Candace Kellogg Finnegan. Jay was Pop Pop to many grandchildren who will also miss him dearly. Jay also leaves behind his brother George (Carol), sisters Lynn and Dana and several nieces and nephews. A Private Service will be held with family. A Committal Service with military honors will be held at a later date at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a charitable donation be made in Jay's name to either The Parkinson's Foundation Parkinson.org or the Gary Sinise Foundation GarySiniseFoundation.org.

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Jay T. Forbes

March 1, 1935 - March 12, 2023