Leo B Forzley Sr

Atty Leo B. Forzley, Sr. Esq. 88, a longtime Worcester attorney, passed away peacefully Tuesday April 21, 2015 with his loved ones at his bedside, joining his son Leo Jr. who passed away in 2011. Leo was born in Worcester, one of seven children of Lebanese immigrants Bashara and Almaza Forzley. He grew up in Worcester, and graduated from Commerce High School. Leo then joined the U.S. Army during World War II, serving proudly as a First Sergeant for the War Crimes Detachment assigned to General MacArthur's South Pacific Command in Corregidor and the Philippines, earning the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Independence ribbon and World War II Victory medal. Upon, Leo's discharge from active service he entered and earned his Bachelor of Applied Arts degree from Clark University in 1950, and his Juris Doctorate and Ph.D. from Boston University in 1954. After graduation from Boston University, Leo passed the State Bar Exam and began his career as a lawyer in private practice in Worcester for the next 50 years before retiring. On September 11th 1955, he married the love of his life, Jeanette L. Kouri in St George Orthodox church on Wall St. They then began their life together in love and devotion raising their family for the next 60 years. They have lived in Worcester all their lives. Leo owned and operated his Law practice Leo B. Forzely Law in Worcester for over 50 years. He also owned and operated LF Real-estate, Darius real-estate, Guaranty Mortgage and the Credit Profile Companies. Leo was a member of the Massachusetts and Worcester County Bar Associations, receiving the distinguished service award in June of 2008. He was a member of St George Orthodox Cathedral, its men's club and a volunteer for many of the church involvements, as well as a 32nd degree mason. A distinct family man, he devoted his life to his wife, children and grandchildren. He was most proud, when his grandson, Stephen, graduated from Norwich University and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Leo is survived by his love, Jeanette; his daughter Janine Chalupka of Auburn; his grandchildren, Katherine A. Forzley, 2nd Lieutenant Stephen M. Chalupka and Stacey L. Chalupka; a sister, Mabel Assad of York Maine; Many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. His son, Leo Forzley Jr. passed away in March of 2011; Three sisters, Julia Corey, Anne Najamey and Evelyn Abodeely and two brothers, Victor and Mitchell Forzley also pre deceased him. Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours, Monday, April 27th from 9:00 am to 10:45 am followed by his funeral service at 11:00 am in St George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street. Burial with military honors will follow in Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Almaza Forzley memorial fund, care of St George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna St Worcester. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements. The Forzley family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and staff of the St Mary's Healthcare for the compassion, understanding and care they gave to Leo and his family during a difficult time.