William Earle Forsthoff

William Earle Forsthoff passed away at home on October 5, 2018.  We are grateful for the long and meaningful life he led, filled with love for family, God, and country.  Earle was born in 1924 and grew up in Leonia, New Jersey.  He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 (class of 1947) and then served in the Navy, including time during the Korean War. In 1951 he married Mary Ann Doyle.  They had five children: William (who has passed away), Grant (Kathleen), Camille (Tom), Laurie and Brian.  The family lived in Syracuse, New York where Earle, now an engineer, was the Executive Vice President of Syracuse Supply.  Later he was the President of a newly formed company:  Liftech Handling.

Upon retirement he and Mary Ann moved to Naples, FL, and began their happy life there.  His most gratifying volunteer work, lasting eighteen years, was for Habitat for Humanity.  He also attended daily mass at St. William Church, which meant so much to him.  He and Mary Ann loved seeing their family grow, welcoming them on their visits and rejoicing in the birth of their five grandchildren and now their seven great grandchildren.  After his dear wife passed away he married Jane Brunstetter Huseby, whose family had moved next door to Earle’s family in Leonia when Jane and Earle were in Junior High.  Now he added her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to his, where he served as an inspiration to them all.  He and Jane loved living in Naples, and also enjoyed many trips to faraway places.  We feel he would like his obituary to end with one of his favorite prayers - "Let there be Peace on Earth".There will be a Memorial Mass for Earle at St. William Church in Naples on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

If you would like to make a contribution in memory of Earle, may we suggest Habitat for Humanity of Collier County.