Robert J. Forster

Robert J. Forster, 87, passed away on November 22 following a brief stay at the Saint Peter's Hospice Inn. Missing his life-long partner, love and wife, Bob may now join Joan, who predeceased him by less than five months.
Born in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, on June 23, 1929, Bob liked to joke that his birth helped start the Great Depression. An only child, he and his parents, John and Ernestine Forster, headed east where they lived in Philadelphia, Brooklyn and, finally, Albany.
A member of CBA's Class of 1947, Bob deferred graduation in order to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps (1947-49). He then went to Columbia University, where he played football. Despite receiving an offer to try out with the Philadelphia Eagles, Bob hung up his cleats in order to pick up a teacher's pointer and a coach's whistle. He taught and coached at CBA, Wheelerville, Mohonasen and Shaker High Schools. While his coaching career was marked by great success, he drew greater pleasure from helping to guide the development of his players and students. He once said, "If I had another shot, I would follow the same path, teaching history and coaching football."
While at Columbia, Bob met Joan and hit it off immediately. They married in June 1954. A succession of wee ones soon followed. When all was said and done, they had five children: Tom (Nancy, Averill Park), Dan (predeceased), Mike (Lynne, Richmond, Virginia), Nancy (Steve, Orono, Maine) and Brian (Carmella, Albany). Bob was also proud of his 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In giving advice for this obituary, Bob stated, "If you are lost for ideas, please tell how how much I love each and every one of those guys and gals and, of course, Joan."
A parishioner of Christ the King, Bob had a faith that was a driving force in his life. He was also dedicated to his community. Among other activities, he coached Pine Bush Little League for 15 years and volunteered at the Historic Albany Warehouse, Saint Mary's Outreach and the Empty Bowls Festival. Bob also was a member of the Best of Times Breakfast Club, as well as his beloved poker club.
He had scant example, as his own father passed on when Bob was but a teen. But somewhere along the way, he learned to be the guy on whom all family and friends could always count, no matter the circumstances.
The family invites all who have known him to join in its farewell; a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 10:00am at Christ The King Church, 20 Sumpter Ave., Albany, NY 12203. Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 28, 2016 from 4-7pm. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday immediately following Mass.