By the Family

Jan. 27, 2016:  Joseph S. Forlini, 57, of Yonkers passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer over two years ago and fought bravely until the very end. Surrounded by his family, Joseph went peacefully from this earth.

Joseph was born on April 27, 1958, in Manhattan to Andreina Garbarino and the late Hugo Forlini. He attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel grammar school in Mount Vernon and graduated from Mt. St. Michael High School in the Bronx in 1976. He attended SUNY Farmingdale and graduated with an associate degree in automotive engineering.

Joseph was co-owner and operator, along with his two cousins, Joseph and Derek, of the renowned Forlini's Restaurant on 93 Baxter Street in New York City. He was also owner and operator of Saw Mill Cleaners and operated his dry-cleaning delivery service through Life Cleaners and Rite-way Sales and Services of Yonkers.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving mother, Andreina; his beloved wife of 31 years, Lisa (Draghi); his loving children, Paul and fiancée Kristen, Stephen, Nicholas, and Jennifer. Also surviving are his siblings, brothers Aldo and Stephen and sister Caroline Solano; and many bothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, along with many nieces and nephews.

Joseph was a great man who loved his family and friends. He enjoyed sharing meals with family and friends and enjoyed great food. He will be deeply missed by all who have ever known him. Joseph was accomplished at many skills and talents, a "Joe of all trades." He devoted his time to many in his community. He was a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Bartholomew Parish. He was a basketball coach for children at St. Bartholomew School. He was a devoted leader and beloved friend of the Boy Scouts of America and served as an adult leader for Troop 5 Yonkers and as the Scoutmaster of Pack 338 of Yonkers.

Scouting was a large part of Joseph's life. With the help of his wife, Lisa, they raised their three sons within the Scouting program. Eventually they earned the rank of Eagle Scout, of which he was very proud.

Long after his sons grew out of the program, Joe continued his involvement. This included revitalizing existing packs and troops and even starting new ones. Joseph firmly believed in the values and teachings of the Scouting way. Even while he was sick, he continued to give his time and talents to the boys and young men of the Scouting program.

He will always be remembered for running events such as the Pinewood Derby District Finals and the Fishing Derby. For his outstanding service, Joseph earned the Silver Beaver Award and was the first honorary recipient of the Scouter of the Year award, which is awarded every year in his name.

He was known to many by a handful of nicknames: "Joe Ace," "Little Joe," and "Champagne Joe." He was an athlete, coach, chef, salesman, mechanic, business owner, entrepreneur, Scout leader, and loving family man.

He loved many things, including basketball, camping, fishing, tinkering, and eating good food. He selflessly shared his time and talents with others and stayed loyal to his family, friends, and community throughout his entire life. Of all people he loved, family was the most important to Joseph. Before he passed away, he shared with his family his most significant piece of advice. "Always do your best, and be true to yourself."

In lieu of flowers, please send checks made out to Boy Scout Troop 5 to the Forlini Family, 5 Lennon Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701. For those who would like to support the fight against cancer, please send your donations to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer.