Arthur David LaForge

Arthur David LaForge of Warwick (and a resident of Campbell Hall Rehabilitation Center) passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, March 18, 2013. He was 78.

He was born July 14, 1934, in the Town of Shawangunk, the youngest son of Arthur LaForge and Frances Brighton.

Arthur graduated from Pine Bush High School at the age of 16 ,where his tall and lanky frame allowed him to excel in several sports. Upon graduation, he convinced his mother to give permission to enlist in the United States Army. He served on active duty in Korea and was honorably discharged. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Medal.

Arthur rarely spoke of his service to his country, other than to comment that he went up and down “Pork Chop Hill” far too many times.

Arthur married Gladys Hume in 1955 and he began a long career with Ford Motor Company. Starting as a painter on the assembly line, he rose to become a promising young executive until his medical retirement. Always fueled with a love of learning, he found the time to attend college and received his associate’s degree. Arthur was an avid reader and sports aficionado.

Arthur was the proud father of three daughters who survive him: Gladys C. LaForge (Christos G. Lecakes) of Vero Beach, Fla., Karen Davis (Kelly Davis) of Richmond, Va., and Jacquelyn Sanders (Kenneth Sanders) of Georgetown, Del. He was the even prouder grandfather of his “four boys:” Michael Kenneth Sanders, Nicholas Arthur Lecakes, Thomas Kelly Davis and Scott Kelly Davis.

Arthur’s moments of pure joy in his life were the times he spent with his grandsons. “Grandpa” was their biggest and loudest sports fan, most permissive babysitter and all around co-conspirator.

Memorial services will be private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the Orange County Veteran’s Food Pantry, 111 Craigville Road, Goshen, New York 10924 (845-291-2470).

Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc. Goshen. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit www.donovanfunerals.com