William Forestieri, proud Marine veteran

William Forestieri, 81, of Bear, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2017, while surrounded by his family.

Born in Wilmington, Nov. 13, 1935, Bill was the son of the late Anthony and Marion (Smith) Forestieri. He made his career with Sardo and Sons Warehousing, where he worked as a shop steward for Teamsters Union Local 326, retiring after 32 years.

As a tough 17-year-old who quit school and joined the Marines, he was just what Paris Island wanted - Marine tough. He proudly served his country for four years during the Korean War. When he returned home, Bill played and coached semi-pro football. He coached both the Conrad Apaches and Blue Hen Youth Conference. He loved football and enjoyed both fishing and boating with his wife, Frieda in Lewes and Rehoboth Bay.

Bill had many titles - Honey, Dad, Pop, Pop Pop, Coach Bill and Gunny, as he was known by his friends at the VA Hospital, where he faithfully served as a volunteer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother; and stepson Michael Ganzman. Bill is survived by his wife, Frieda; daughter Michele; son Daniel; stepdaughter Cathy and husband Terry; brother Jack Forestieri and wife Pat; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A committal service and interment with military honors will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 17, in the chapel of the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you say a prayer for a veteran.

"I love you Honey and always will. Semper Fi." ~ Frieda Forestieri
ISee more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/delawareonline/obituary.aspx?pid=184368284#sthash.cQmqqhMU.dpuf