Richard O. "Dick" Forest, 85, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, formerly of Hurleyville, New York, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones. As he took his final breaths, his loving wife of 60 years, Ruth, and his son, Ryan, were by his side, each holding one of his hands as he peacefully gained his heavenly wings.

Dick was born on September 20, 1940, in Claremont, New Hampshire, to Clifford P. and Marion A. Forest. In 1957, the Forest family relocated to Sullivan County, New York, where Dick worked at Concord Farms while attending Tri-Valley High School. Throughout high school, he was well known for cruising around in his beloved black 1955 Ford Thunderbird. His passion for anything with an engine began at an early age and remained with him throughout his life.

After graduating from high school, Dick proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country with honor, including service during the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic.

Upon returning home, Dick met the love of his life, Ruth. They married and shared 60 wonderful years together. In 1966, they welcomed their beloved daughter, Laurie J. Forest, and seven years later, their son, Richard "Ryan" Forest. Together they built a loving home in Hurleyville, New York, where they remained until relocating to Port St. Lucie, Florida, in 2019.

Dick worked at several automobile dealerships throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, where he perfected his remarkable skills as both a mechanic and auto body technician. He also worked at Fallsburg Gas for many years. In 1996, he founded Forest Mechanical Corporation, a business he proudly owned and operated until his retirement in 2015.

Retirement suited Dick well. After moving to Florida, he found great joy relaxing on his lanai beside the pool, reflecting on a life well lived.

Dick was known for his gifted hands and extraordinary mechanical abilities. Whether restoring a classic car, rebuilding an engine, repairing a furnace, or tackling just about anything with moving parts, there seemed to be nothing he couldn't fix. He handcrafted many beautiful cars that brought immense joy to his family, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. More importantly, he generously shared his knowledge, patiently teaching others the skills he had spent a lifetime mastering. He was a trusted friend, a gifted craftsman, and a mentor to many.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Clifford P. Forest and Marion A. Forest, and by his beloved daughter, Laurie J. Forest.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Ruth Forest; his son, Richard "Ryan" Forest and his Partner Dave Popieluszko of Port St. Lucie, Florida; his sister, Nathalie Ferland of Liberty, New York; his brother, Clifford Forest of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Brother and Sister in law Michael and Vicki Gold of South Fallsburg, New York, Brother and Sister in law George Price and Olga Price of Hurleyville, New York; Son in law Jeffrey Weigand of Conway, South Carolina. Many nieces and nephews; and his beloved Labradoodle, Casper.

Dick will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, friend, mentor, and teacher. His legacy lives on not only through his family, but also through the many skilled hands he inspired and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others.

Your beloved Thunderbird is warmed up and waiting to carry you on your final journey. Rest easy, Dad. We'll take it from here.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 22, 2027, at St. Peters Catholic Church, 10 Liberty Street, Monticello, New York, at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Hurleyville Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements were under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, For further information please call 845-434-7363.