Frank Walter Forrest Sr., a real-life folk legend, advocate, volunteer, and community leader, passed away at 4:32 a.m. on Friday October 31st at Hartford Hospital. He was 77 and was supported by a loving family and a large community.
Frank was born and raised in East Hartford. He was a proud veteran and veteran advocate, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a pillar of the East Hartford community.
He was the son of Walter and Sophie Forrest, who introduced him to the Grange, civic engagement, and volunteer service. He remained active in both his local and state Grange throughout his life. His leadership, friendly humor, and superior pancakes helped strengthen community ties through the Grange.
Frank graduated from Penney High School, class of 1966, and also took courses in business, bartending, and small engine repair. He was passionate about his career as an inspector with the Weights and Measures Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. He was a past president of the Weights and Measures Association.
In 1968, Frank was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam as a Chaplain’s Assistant. He earned a Bronze Star and brought home amazing photos and stories from his tour. Frank went on to advocate for service members, veterans, and the veteran community. He served as Post Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7659 in Glastonbury and Post 2083 in East Hartford. In 2017, he founded an organization called SOS Connecticut, an effort to collect and ship care packages to service members overseas—personally ensuring that troops knew their hometown was thinking of them.
In the last ten years, Frank became involved in food rescue and sharing. He personally picked up unsold food from stores and restaurants and delivered it to food banks around the state. He was engaged with the East Hartford Hunger Action Team and trained others to follow suit.
Frank found peace in his expansive garden—something else he learned from his mother. He was a Master Gardener and involved in outreach to teach youth how to grow plants.
He also served as a Justice of the Peace in East Hartford, officiating ceremonies and milestones for families with the same warmth and respect he showed everyone he met.
Although Frank held many titles, his favorites were “Dad” and “Grandpa.” Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Betsy Forrest, and their three children — Rose Forrest, Frank Forrest Jr., and Kyle Forrest. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, ranging in age from two to eighteen.
Frank’s family knows that his influence will continue to enhance the community for generations to come, because Frank was the consummate mentor and teacher.
Calling hours will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St. in Manchester. A celebration of life to honor Frank’s legacy will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at South Congregational Church on Forbes Street in East Hartford.
Frank has abundant flowers in his garden, so his family asks that you consider making a donation to honor him by supporting one of his passions Veterans-SOS Connecticut https://www.hohct.org/, https://www.easthartfordct.gov/FoodPantry; https://www.ctfoodshare.org/. You may also consider joining a civic group such as the Grange or the VFW.
