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Bernard R. (Babe) Forcier, of Greenville and a resident of St. Paul Homes Community passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at the age of 89.
Babe was born on August 20, 1932 in Fall River, Massachusetts to William and Rose (L’Heureaux) Forcier.
He married the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Roderick on September 4, 1954. She preceded him in death on October 28, 2017 after 64 years of marriage.
He was schooled in Fall River and graduated from Msgr. Prevost High School, after graduation from high school in 1950; he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and honorably served from February 1951 until January 1955 achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class where he was one of the ship’s Damage Controlman and Section Leader in the Carpenter Shop on the USS Amphion.
While still in the service, Babe married the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Roderick in 1953 in between two hurricanes. Pat preceded him on October 28, 2017 after 64 years of marriage. Upon completion of his military service Babe enrolled at Bradford Durfee College of Technology, Dartmouth (now UMass Dartmouth) where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in June of 1959, Later earning his Professional Surveying License and Professional Civil Engineering License in the state of Pennsylvania.
Upon graduation Babe was hired by the Union Railroad Company in the Track Department as Management Training and Assistance Track Supervisor in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.
In late 1963, Babe was transferred to the Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad in Albion, where he was assigned as track supervisor of the M.W Department. After several years in Albion, he was transferred to the Greenville office where Babe was placed in charge of the supervision converting the entire track from conventional bolted rail to the continuous welded rail system which is still in use to this day. He was then promoted to manager of Maintenance Planning where he stayed until 1981 when he was again transferred back to the Pittsburgh area and was laterally promoted to Head of Engineering. After 26 plus years with the B&L.E. and Union Railroads, Babe retired in January 1986 and formed his own consulting firm 4CA Engineering in Export, Pennsylvania.
Babe enjoyed getting together with their many Welcome Wagon friends and going out to eat and dance at the Greenville Country Club. He enjoyed family gatherings, going to the beach, attending Heinz Hall and numerous business trips with Pat around the United States, Mexico and Germany.
He was of the Catholic Faith for his entire life and a current member of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. Babe was a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus. Prior to moving back to Greenville, he was very active in the Lions Club. Babe was also a member of the American Legion and several veterans’ organization.
In addition to his wife Pat, and parents; he was preceded in death by his brothers: Clarence “Joe”, Adrian “Ade”, Leonard “Lenny”, sister Marguerite “Margi” Trudeau, and his oldest son, Timothy “Wart” Forcier.
Babe is survived by a son, Kevin W. Forcier Sr., (Teresa), three daughters, Rosanne, Eileen McLaughlin (Mark) and Nanette and his other “kid” Pat Genung.
He is also survived by grandchildren, Kevin W. Forcier Jr. (Tracey), Nicholas R. Forcier (Katie), Megan Farringer, Angela Nicastro (Gino), Bridget (Sierra Segear) and Michaela Anderson (Zach), great grandchildren Madilynn “Maddi” and Makenna G. Forcier, Kiera and Nina Nicastro.
A memorial mass will be held at 12:00 Noon on November 5, 2021 in the St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, with the Rev.Christopher Barnes, pastor of the church as celebrant.
Friends may call on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon time of the Mass in the Gathering Space at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, 85 N. High St., Greenville, PA.
Internment will follow at the Venango Cemetery, 22161 Cemetery Road, Venango at 1:45 PM, with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Kindred Hospice, St. Paul’s and Dr. Wong for their continuing care.
Condolences can be sent to: Kevin Forcier, P.O. Box 131, Venango, PA 16440-0131, Rosanne Forcier 326 Vernon Road, Lot 42, Greenville, PA 16125, Eileen McLaughlin 1524 Carlene Court, Langhorne, PA 19047 and Nanette Forcier, 800 Trenton Road Apt 302, Langhorne, PA 19047.
You may share condolences with the family online at www.snyderfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Hwy, Sheakleyville.
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