Obituary of John W. Forness

John W. Forness of 3086 Haskell Road, passed away Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at the Cuba Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by his family. John was born Oct. 5, 1925 in Olean and was a son of Clement and Florence Wiesman Forness. On Aug. 9, 1947, he married his loving wife Mary C. Watkins, who survives. John was a 1943 graduated from Olean High School. He served his country in the Navy during both World War II from September 16, 1943 to May 17, 1946 and the Korean War from November 29, 1950 to May 29, 1951. John attended St. Bonaventure University. He was a city letter carrier for the Olean Post Office for 33 years before becoming the Bolivar Post Master. John retired after 43 total years of service in 1996. John and his wife, Mary, started "Hawk Hideaway Wild Life & Rehabilitation Center," on the Haskell Road which helps to rehabilitate birds of prey and educate people. The Center also rehabilitates Bears & Fawns. John and Mary worked under the DEC on the Osprey Project at Kinzua and Onoville Marina. John is a member of the St. Mary's Church. He enjoyed Scouting and was a Scout Master in Hinsdale. John was instrumental in starting Midget Football in Hinsdale, and he was also a past president of Hinsdale School Board. Through his life, John was a past member of many organizations including the Bolivar Fire Department. Along with his wife of 65 years, John is survived by two sons, Roger R. (Annette) Forness of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Kevin J. (Debra) Forness of Olean; a daughter, M. Michele (George) Bush of Portville; ten grandchildren; and three great grandchildren; a sister, Emma Lou (Robert) Granger of Allegany; a sister in law, Lois Forness of North Carolina; and several nieces & nephews. John was predeceased by one son, Michael R. Forness in 1978; one grandson, Shawn Michael Forness; and three brothers, Bruce, Robert, and Michael Forness. Friends were received Friday Nov. 9, 2012 at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State St., Olean, New York 14760 from 4 pm to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 at the St. Mary's Church in Olean at 10:00 am. The Rev. Gregory J. Dobson celebrated. Burial will be at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post #892 Ritual Team. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Eagle Dreams Rehabilitation 208 Grossman Ave. Olean, New York 14760. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.