- Date Of Birth: May 22, 1931
- Date Of Death: April 25, 2020
- State: Pennsylvania
Dr. Edmund J. Forte, distinguished educator in the Philadelphia School District for four decades passes away at 88.Edmund Forte was born in South Philadelphia on May 22, 1931 to John and Anna Forte. After losing his father at a young age, he was raised by his single mother with Italian as his first language. After graduating from South Philadelphia High School for Boys and West Chester State College he earned a master’s degree from Temple University and a PhD from Walden University. He began his teaching career at Vare Junior High School. There he met and married his beloved wife Anna of 65 . Forte taught science and mathematics for a brief period before his administrative talents were recognized thus advancing from elementary and high school principals to Regional District career was temporarily interrupted as he proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard during the was recognized for developing several nationally recognized educational programs, including “Checkpoint”, “Benchmark” and “Academic Resource Centers”. He is most remembered for his calm demeanor, love and dedication to the children of Philadelphia, devotion to family and the respect that he showed to everyone. His gentle spirit and thoughtfulness made him beloved by all those fortunate enough to have been a part of his retirement, his colleagues wrote in tribute: “From the classroom to the principal’s office, from central office program management to regional leadership, all who have served with him and for him agree that Ed Forte stands for integrity and excellence. As an Administrator, he possesses a rare warmth, caring and empathy for children, colleagues and parents. While his retirement signifies a tremendous loss to the School District, the effects of his leadership will linger in all who have been touched by his kind but highly effective style.”After a forty-year career with the School District of Philadelphia, Dr. Forte’s post-retirement life was filled with many achievements. He developed innovative programs for the Black College Satellite Network and PBS Chanel 35 (WYBE), providing needed educational programs for students in under- served areas. Throughout his life, he always said his greatest passion was in the classroom; he loved teaching. He continued to teach young aspiring teachers as an adjunct professor at Drexel University. He also received many awards and recognition as a tireless advocate for the promotion of Italian is survived by his wife Anna (nee Lelii), the love of his life. He succumbed to a prolonged illness with his final words to her, “I love you more than ever”. Besides his wife, he is survived by his two children, Edmund “Ned” (Josephine) and Barbara (Christopher), as well as three grandchildren, Michael, Eric (Rachel) and Ava Rose. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lena (Peter) and three nephews, Bill (Marianne), John (Tina) and Ronald (Katie). He was predeceased by his beloved sister Rose and brother-in-law Bill.
