Obituaries

William H. Forrey, 80

January 02, 2025

William H. Forrey, 80, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on January 2, 2025. Born on August 29, 1944, in Lancaster, he was the beloved husband of Linda Hackman Forrey for 59 years. Bill was the son of the late Joseph M. and Helen S. (Yeagley) Forrey.

Bill grew up in Millersville, attending Penn Manor High School and Millersville University. He excelled in high school athletics, cherishing the camaraderie of his soccer, basketball, and track teammates. Apart from his time in military service, Bill spent his entire life in Lancaster County, a place he deeply loved.

With a 53-year career in construction and development, Bill retired at the age of 75. In his retirement, he found joy working part-time alongside creative friends at Fig Industries.

Bill was a dedicated leader and active community member. He served as president of The Building Industry Association of Lancaster County, The Lancaster County Developers Association, and Student Lodging, Inc. of Millersville University. He also chaired the Manheim Township Planning Commission and held roles on the boards of The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry, The Lancaster County Commissioners’ Agricultural Preserve Board, Lancaster Sertoma Club, Meadia Heights Golf Club, Bent Creek Country Club, and The Pennsylvania Builders’ Association.

Bill had an unparalleled love for people, appreciating diversity and cultivating friendships across all walks of life. He cherished his memberships in The Tucquan Club of Lancaster, The Slumbering Groundhog Lodge of Quarryville, and The Lancaster Pirates.

An active member of Highland Presbyterian Church, Bill served on the board of trustees and, alongside Linda, participated as a communion server and greeter.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Linda, and their two sons: W. Bradley Forrey (Emily) of Lancaster and Ryan J. Forrey (Kerry Sheldon) of Dexter, MI. He was a proud grandfather to William B. Forrey Jr., Max R. Forrey, Jacoby K. Haley, Meadow R. Forrey, and Tilly R. Forrey, and a dear brother to Joseph R. Forrey (Barbara) of Lancaster.

A Memorial Service will be held at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 at 11:30am on Friday, January 24, 2025. Family will be receiving friends at a visitation from 9:30am-11:30am at the church. Interment will take place in the Memorial Garden at Highland Presbyterian Church at the family’s convenience.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to Lancaster Farmland Trust, 125 Lancaster Ave., Strasburg, PA 17579, or the Penn Manor Education Foundation, PO Box 1001, Millersville, PA 17551.

Bill’s Funeral Service will be Live Streamed starting at 11AM. Please click on the Highland Presbyterian Church link below or visit their home page where you will be able to access the funeral service www.highlandpc.org

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Condolences to the Family

January 24, 2025

Linda, Brad, Ryan, and family. We offer our condolences at this time of Bill’s death.  We will always remember his smile, wit, and genuine character. 
Dave & Kathy Kuhn

January 24, 2025

We were very lucky to have Bill as a neighbor. He was always a kind and gentle person.
Bill will continue to live in our hearts.
Sam Carter Farmer and Cathy

January 21, 2025

To Linda..Bonnie and l send Our heartfelt blessings  to you and the family. I remember you when you were in banking and Bill was a great guy to know in the business  world …He will be missed,
Glenn snavely

January 13, 2025

Dear Linda, Brad, Ryan and the entire Forrey family,
I was deeply saddeded to read of Bill’s recent passing. Many warm and fond memories of the time we spent together back in the S&W days. Sending all of you my heartfelt condolences. May the memory of William H. Forrey be for a blessing.
Stephen Sherman

January 11, 2025

Lynda, I’m sorry to learn of your sad news.  As a kid, visiting the cousins in PA was a big deal for the Kreider family.  The Forrey’s made the whole Hershey Park experience happen for years on end.  Still importent memories, even after all this time.  Our condolenses to the extended Forrey family.
Jim and Deb Kreider

January 11, 2025

Dear Linda & Family: My sincere sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family on the death of Bill. There are so many good memories of our time living as neighbors and our children growing up in the neighborhood. Steve and Valerie join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to all of you. Sue Trapnell

January 09, 2025

Linda, and family,
We just heard of Bill’s passing, and are saddened about this news. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.  He was a great guy! Always smiling and cheerful. Sending you our deepest sympathy.
Rosanna & George Lower
 

January 07, 2025

My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire extended Forrey family.  Bill was truly a one of a kind larger than life individual who touched so many lives.  I will never forget how welcome he made me feel when I started work at Wohlsen Construction.  He was a genuinely caring man who was as comfortable and open talking with the regular staff as he was with the key leadership of the company.  I enjoyed trading stories of our military days and shared experiences.  I’ll never forget his ever present smile, his infectuous laugh or his little jokes.  Rest in Peace Bill.  I’m sure you are up in heaven making even more friends. 
David Thornton

January 06, 2025

Brad and family,
I was sorry to read about the passing of Bill.  He was quite a gentleman and always took the time to say hello and have a brief chat when I bumped into him.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Barry Solodky

January 06, 2025

We are so sorry to hear about Bill.  He was an amazing person.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Your friends at Warfel Construction Company
 

January 06, 2025

To Linda
 My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Wayne Fahnestock

January 06, 2025

Dear Linda and Family:
My deepest sympathy for your loss!  Always remember Bill singing in the the hall ways.
 
Heidi Brady

January 06, 2025

Dear Linda and family.  So sorry to learn of Bill’s passing.  He was a great guy!  So many fond memories from Sertoma, BIA and ABC.  Thoughts and prayers.
“Ned” Kreider

January 06, 2025

Bill will be sadly be missed by everyone that knew him. Truely one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever met. 
It was an honor to be your friend. God bless you brother.  
Mark Simeral

January 05, 2025

Linda,
Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Thinking back in time brings many fond memories to mind.  All my best. Bill Murry

January 05, 2025

Linda – we’re so sorry for the loss of Bill. We were blessed to spend time with you both in December – Bill was always so fun to be around. We remember that evening fondly – he was laughing and joking with his warm personality and smile. Such a genuine and thoughtful husband to you and i am sure to his children and grandchildren. We know you and your family will miss him immensely and we send our thoughts, prayers and a warm hug to you dear Linda. 
Cindi and Craig Kimmel

January 05, 2025

Dear Linda and Family
Mark and I are sending our prayers and love to
you. Bill was a wonderful man and made every occasion we shared special. He will be missed.
With Our Sincere Sympathy 
Mark and Becky

January 05, 2025

Dear Linda, Brad, Ryan and family:
I was deeply saddened to read of Bill’s passing.  He was a lovely person and always a delight to be around. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  My sincerest condolences.  
Lisa Walton (daughter of Charlie and Vera Walton)

January 05, 2025

Dear Linda, I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing… we are never ready to say goodbye 😢. Please know how much George and I were so privileged to know him. Bill was a Giant in the Lancaster community, but above it all was his love for you and your family.
i know how much the Tucquan arms will be wrapped around you. What wonderful, caring “brothers”.
love to you from Pinehurst ❤️
Ellie Wiest

January 05, 2025

I got to know Bill from his years of helping with the Landis Homes Adult Day Services golf tournament.  His wit and generosity helped make that event the success it was each year. He was a blessing to many.
Larry Guengerich

January 05, 2025

I only met Bill a couple years ago in a golf league that we were both in. He was such a joy to be around and he will be very sorely missed. You certainly did do it your way Bill I was a better person getting to know you.
Robert E. Smith

January 05, 2025

Linda, Sue and I were saddened to hear of Bills sudden passing. I had just received a note from him about your planned trip to Sarasota later this Spring. I did not know Bill well but he always had a winning smile and a great sense of humor together with a loving wife. Our deepest sympathy.
Sue and Ed

January 05, 2025

So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful guy he was. 
pamela emich

January 05, 2025

Bill was a great team mate during summer baseball as well as in general.  I always enjoyed being around him.  In addition he was the person who helped us design (and get built) our house at 319 Terrace Rd. in Mount Joy.
Very sorry to hear of his passing.
Jim Lawrence-PMHS Class of ’63.

January 05, 2025

Linda, Brad and family – So sorry for Bill’s passing – he was very gracious and humorous and a skilled and effective fellow professional. Everybody loved Bill and I was always glad to see and talk to him. He was a true long-time friend and I will really miss him. I cherish the wonderful memories over many years! 
Tom Despard

January 05, 2025

Dear Linda and family: I was saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. We first met in the 70’s when I worked a summer job for a local home builder. Our friendship, business and personal, spanned 50+ years. A good man. You have my deepest sympathy. George George

January 05, 2025

I am sorry for your loss, I think often about our high school days and the people who made it special. Bill will be missed. You are in our prayers.
David Bishoo

January 05, 2025

Please accept my deepest sympathies on Bill’s passing. He was a friend to all and he made the world brighter and happier by his presence. I was privileged to know him. As you mourn his loss may many fond memories give you comfort and peace. 
John Snader

January 04, 2025

Dear Linda and family, our deepest codolences. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
When I saw the picture of Bill, it made me think of his smile, his beautiful and upbeat personality. So sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,  Michelle and John Filak

January 04, 2025

Linda, Joe And Barb… I’m so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing… Brings back so many memories… God bless all of your and yourfamilies!! Abby Shultz

January 04, 2025

Condolences to the family. 
Bill leaves a legacy of positivity, always seeking the better solution, and helping everyone to be a better person.
Jack Eshelman

January 04, 2025

I’m so sorry to hear this. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Vicki Barczewski

January 04, 2025

To Linda, Brad, Ryan & to all of Bill’s family…my sincere condolences. Bill loved all of you so much. Hold each other close.
Linda Olson

January 04, 2025

Linda and family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. You are in my thoughts and. prayers.🙏
Nancy Miller

Visitation
Friday, January 24, 2025
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Highland Presbyterian Church
500 E. Roseville Rd
Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services
Friday, January 24, 2025
11:30 AM
Highland Presbyterian Church
500 E. Roseville Rd
Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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