Douglas Michael Forde

Douglas Michael “Doug” Forde, of Erdenheim, PA passed away on July 16, 2026 in the home he shared for the past 40 years with his wife Rita.

Born in Brooklyn, New York on November 29, 1947, Doug was the son of the late Douglas C. Forde and the late Georgina Mesa.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Rita (Schick) Forde, brother Raymond, sister Julie Fernandez, niece Jasmine Parker, brother in-law Edward J. Schick (Anne), and sister in-law Joan G. Schick, who was also a very special friend and caregiver during his illness. He will be greatly missed by them as well as by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Doug enjoyed long, close friendships but was a man who became a friend to almost everyone he met.

Doug remained at home for the duration of his three and one-half year battle with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). For all but the final weeks of his life, he continued to attend therapy and exercise classes, both in and out of his home. He amazed his doctors and therapists with his strength and determination to work hard and fight his disease. As there is no cure, treatment or medication for PSP, physical activity is the only thing known to minimally extend the patient’s life and capabilities.

Doug was in the warm and excellent care of the nurses and aides of Penn Medicine Hospice during his final days. He also was supported and cared for by local caregivers, including Lia.

Doug moved from Brooklyn to Long Island, NY when he was a young teenager. There he excelled in team sports, spent time at the beach where he swam, surfed, boated and fished in the nearby ocean and bay.

Doug moved to Pennsylvania to attend Wilkes College where again he played in team sports, including National Small College recognized football and wrestling teams, and also added lacrosse to his schedule.

He later moved to Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Temple University with a degree in marketing. Doug completed his formal education when he earned his Master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Soon after moving to Philadelphia, Doug met his future wife, Rita. They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on May 8, 2026.

Doug had a long career in the field of Human Resources, working mostly in high technology companies. He advanced throughout his career to become an executive in the HR field.

During his career Doug had the opportunity to travel internationally for work and later he and Rita travelled together for pleasure.

Doug’s interests were numerous and varied including sports (club lacrosse), gardening, skiing and boating. He worked hard maintaining their home, took pride in building their backyard deck and other improvements. His garden tomatoes were enjoyed by many friends every summer. Always a hard worker, Doug also found time to renovate houses, doing most of the work himself and was a kind, supportive and responsive landlord.

Upon his move to Philadelphia, Doug became and remained a fan and strong supporter of the Eagles, Phillies and 76’ers.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM, at Holy Cross Cemetery, 626 Baily Road, Yeadon, PA 19050.

Friends and family attending the graveside service are asked to meet just inside the main entrance on Baily Road, next to the cemetery office, at 10:45 AM. At 11:00 AM all will drive in procession to the gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made in Doug’s name to CurePSP at website www.psp.org, or the charity of your choice.