Jeffry L. Forbes, 81

Jeffry Lawton Forbes of Delray Beach, Florida, formerly of Laconia, passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, 2023.

Jeff is predeceased by his parents William and Cora Forbes, his son Michael of Deerfield Beach, Florida, his brothers Richard (Dick) of Needham, Massachusetts, and William (Billy) of Gilford.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Lyle Forbes; sons Daniel Forbes (Sara) of Lowell, Massachusetts, John (Julie) Forbes of Wentzville, Missouri, and Christopher (Tonya) Forbes of Groveland, Florida. Jeff was blessed with nine grandchildren, Quintin, Nathaniel, Jacqueline, Benjamin, Joshua, Rebecca, Angela, Catherine and Christopher Michael, and three great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Theodore and Margaret. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Luella Lyle of Boca Raton, Florida.

Jeff was born on March 19, 1942, in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, and attended Newton North High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne where he was a paratrooper and member of the Army Boxing Team.

Jeff’s career, which he loved, was land development. He started as a pioneer in developing property in Laconia, and throughout New England. He moved to Florida where he continued to develop thousands of acres. He loved exploring back roads and local histories. Jeff and his son, Chris, also traveled to Germany and imported German shepherds. He loved his three shepherds, Bear, Daisy and Ebby, whom have all passed. Ella, whom he adored, a loving labradoodle, enjoyed their morning and evening golf cart rides, socializing in the neighborhoods and at the beach.

Jeff was a voracious reader. He was on the board of National Jewish Health, a parishioner at St. Vincent Ferrer and always looked forward to their weekly Bible studies.

Jeff was an avid golfer which was his true passion. He belonged to many country clubs over the years including Laconia Country Club and Delray Dunes. He played tennis, snow skied and water skied in his earlier years. He and Sharon enjoyed many years of boating throughout the Caribbean with their “Little Palm Boat Club.” They also enjoyed a second home in Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee for many years.

Jeff treated every person he met with respect and kindness. He was a true, honorable and generous gentleman. He left an impact on everyone he met and will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Florida Humane Society, 3870 N. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33073 (floridahumanesociety.org) of which Jeff was a major supporter.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 840 George Bush Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483.

Jeff’s celebration of life can be viewed at youtube.com/@st.vincentferrercatholicch2049.