Donald J. Forte

IRONWOOD, Mich. — Donald J. Forte, 82, of Ironwood, died unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at home.

He was born Dec. 15, 1934, in Ironwood, son of the late Victor and Rita (Costa) Forte, and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley, Wis., in 1953. He worked in Milwaukee for a short time, then was employed as a heavy equipment operator for the Oglebay-Norton Mining Co. at the Erie Taconite Mine in Silver Bay, Minn., for 30 years, until his retirement.

Don was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. He loved playing golf and was a member of Eagle Bluff Golf Club in Hurley. He was also an excellent hardball baseball player in his younger years and was an avid hockey fan and Green Bay Packer and Detroit Tiger fan. He especially enjoyed having coffee with the morning and afternoon gang at Rigoni’s Bakery.

Surviving are a brother, Joseph, of Philadelphia; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

Besides his parents, Don was predeceased by his sister, Rita Osier; and brother-in-law, John Osier.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation in the St. Joseph Family Room at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Robb Jurkovich, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.