OBITUARY: John R. Forrest, 80, Former Wilmington Selectman & Business Owner

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — John R. Forrest, age 80, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away on December 1, 2023.

John was born on August 27, 1943, in Everett, MA; he was the cherished son of the late John A. and Marion (MacDonald) Forrest. John was raised in Wilmington and attended Wilmington Public Schools.

From a very young age, John was a hard worker; he worked at the North Wilmington Shell for several years. He also owned and operated Forrest Service Center at the corner of West Street and Lowell Street from 1979-2004. John was dedicated to his shop and his customers; he was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to help others. In 2004, John retired and enjoyed winters in Florida.

John married Roberta J. (Carpenter) on July 17, 1970, and the couple spent over fifty-three wonderful years together. They loved to travel and enjoyed time with their family. In his spare time, John loved playing golf; he often participated in charity golf events and frequently brought his friends to golf with him.

John will be remembered for his work throughout the Wilmington community; he was a former Selectman and served on the Board of Appeals Committee in the town for many years.

John was the beloved husband of Roberta J. (Carpenter) Forrest, devoted father of Carolann George & her husband David of Merrimac, MA and Kimberly Florentino of Saugus, loving “Papa” of Kristina George, Christopher George, Thomas Florentino, Stephen Florentino, and Michael Florentino, “Great-Papa” of Xavier, Landon, Kylie, Christopher, Kane, Aubrey, Dylan, Logan, and Caden, dear brother of Paul Forrest & his wife Gail of Wilmington, Marion Sweeney of Lowell, the late Daniel Forrest and the late Edwin Forrest, uncle of Chance Carpenter, Jade Carpenter, Lindsey Carpenter, and Renee Carpenter as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Monday, December 11th at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday, December 10th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

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