LOCKPORT —
Richard Anthony LaForest formerly of Lockport, NY, and most recently of Bradenton and Palm Harbor in Florida, passed away on January 4, 2013 in Suncoast Hospice in Palm Harbor, FL. Born in Lockport, NY on September 16, 1946; he was the son of Anthony LaForest (deceased) and Shirley Greenman LaForest, who survives him.
Richard retired from Harrison Radiator/Delphi in 2006, after 41 years as a Certified Journeyman Tool & Die Maker, Mold Maker and Model Maker. He received the Engineering Quality Council Award and Recognition for Stereolithography in November 1996 and a letter of commendation in June of 1991. He was a Combat Crew Chief in the US Air Force stationed in Tucson, AZ from 1966 to 1969. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing the courses throughout Western NY and the Florida Gulf Coast. Richard also was a creative Photographer, focusing on scenic, wedding and family photography, particularly enjoying the computerized aspects of digital photography. He was a NASCAR enthusiast and participated in off-street racing in his younger years, as well as baseball, fishing and hunting. He prided himself on his gardening skills and abilities with cars, electronics and home entertainment. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his six grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his wife, Lana (Ecker) LaForest of Bradenton, FL; father of Timothy (Connie) LaForest of Conewango Valley, NY and Tisha (Micheal) Bruno of Palm Harbor, FL; six grandchildren, John, Justin and Marissa Bruno of Florida and Connor, Liam and Declan LaForest of New York; brother of Paul (Frances) LaForest of Youngstown and Catherine (George) Tocco of Lockport; and the brother-in-law of Scott (Heather) Ecker of Barker, NY. He is also survived by seven nephews and nieces.
There will be no prior visitation. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on January 10, 2013 at 12:30 PM in St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church Parish, 715 East Orange Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 and at the convenience of the family (to be announced) at All Saints Parish at St. Patrick’s Church, 76 Church St., Lockport. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Suncoast Hospice, 2675 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34684, Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or The American Cancer Society.
Visit www.lockportjournal.com/obituaries for online guest register.
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