It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of David Allen Forshay of Willowemoc, NY, formerly of Central Valley, NY, who passed away peacefully at home from pancreatic cancer on Friday, June 21, 2024, surrounded by his wife, daughters and loving dog, Kasey. He was 81.

David, born on January 6, 1943, in Suffern, NY, was the son of the late James and Anna Toth Forshay. He grew up in Mahwah, NJ, with his parents and seven siblings and attended Mahwah High School. After earning his GED, David served in the US Army’s 1st Infantry Division from July 1961 to June 1963, participating in significant historical events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Berlin Wall crisis, and the Vietnam conflict.

Upon his return, David met Terry Lynn Forshay through his sister in 1962, and they married on September 5, 1964, settling in Highland Mills, NY. The couple had two daughters, Jacquelyn and Karen, and a foster daughter, Doris Cruver. They later moved to Central Valley, where David established his custom kitchen business, Kitchens by Forshay. Dave became a CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer) through the Newark College of Engineering. His innovative mind, exceptional woodworking skills, and tireless work ethic, combined with Terry’s partnership, led to the business’s success. They also launched Forshay Associates, a successful sales representative company. Despite his busy schedule, David ensured family time by retreating to a small weekend home they built in Willowemoc, where they eventually moved full-time.

David and Terry were dedicated to community service, volunteering with Sullivan County Renaissance to create two historical kiosks and a garden in Livingston Manor. After Terry’s passing in 2008, David found solace in volunteering at the Time and the Valleys Museum, serving on the Board of Directors for 19 years and contributing to the creation of several living history buildings. He was also an active member of the Neversink Planning Board.

In 2010, David met Amy Hines, and they married in 2012, continuing to live in his Willowemoc home. Together, they were active in the Rotary Club of Livingston Manor. They enjoyed the past 12 years sharing their love of the Catskills, dogs, fishing, good food and friends.

In his retirement, David spent much of his time in his workshop, crafting pieces for the museum, his home, and those of his children and friends. He also enjoyed cooking for family and friends, especially his grandchildren—Andrew, Robert, and Hazel—who cherished visits filled with his homemade chicken wings, campfires, games, and outdoor activities.

David valued friendships deeply, spending time with friends on various projects and activities. He was a beloved member of ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out), the Horseshoe Gun Club, and the Catskill Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

David was predeceased by his first wife, Terry Lynn Burke Forshay; his brothers John and James Forshay; and his parents. He is survived by his second wife Amy Hines; daughters Karen (Forshay) Fischer and Jacquelyn (Forshay) Wilson; grandchildren Robert Fischer, Andrew, and Hazel Wilson; brother Richard Forshay; sisters Mary Ann (Forshay) Huebner, Barbara (Forshay) Ierardi, Virginia (Forshay) Costa, Ruthann (Forshay) Weiss; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 29, at 11 a.m. at the Claryville Reformed Church in Claryville, NY, with interment to follow at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery in Grahamsville, NY. A period of visitation at the Claryville Reformed Church will precede the service starting at 10 a.m., and visitation will continue at a reception following interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Time and the Valleys Museum, P.O. Box 254, Grahamsville, NY 12740, or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan County, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY, 12550.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 www.Harris-FH.com.