John Forster

John D. Forster, 84, passed away after a heroic battle with COPD at the Reading Hospital where he was surrounded by family. He was born to Rosa Forster but raised by Gustav and Ottylie Peplau with their other five children. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorothy Louise Kantner Forster on September 3, 2012. John attended Reading High School and received his diploma before joining the army in 1949. He trained for the Army Band in Monmouth, NJ where he remained until his discharge on December 6, 1952. After his release from the service, he completed an apprenticeship at the Reading Railroad where he worked for 40 years as a car repairer and a car inspector until his retirement on April 14, 1992.
John and his wife Dorothy celebrated 62 years as a couple and were blessed with the births of four children who continue to make them proud of all of their accomplishments. Their children and spouses are: David S. and Karen Forster of Greensboro, NC; Kenneth J. and Mary Forster of Lancaster, PA; Kimberly A. and Brian Fehr of Robesonia, PA; and Benjamin J. and Deborah Forster of Taneytown, MD. Their nine grandchildren and their spouses include: Heather and (Ryan) Anderson; Wesley and (Ashley) Forster, Christina, Keith and Todd Forster; Michael and Katie Fehr; and Johnathan and (Melissa) Forster and Tyler Forster. In addition, there are three great grandchildren with one more on the way: Scarlett and Chase Forster; and Jordyn and baby Forster.
The Masons were a large influence in John's life ever since he joined St. John's Lodge #435 in 1974. He progressed through all positions available: Chaplain, Jr. Deacon, Sr. Deacon, Jr. Warden, Sr. Warden and Worshipful Master. Also, music, family and exemplary living were the main passions in John's life. When he was only six years old John started his music education which required at least an hour of practice before he was permitted to go outside and play with his friends. His musical talent continued to evolve, so he decided to complete a course at the New York Trade School in New York City where he became an expert piano tuner with perfect pitch. John's passion for music developed from piano lessons to the Army Band and weekend gigs in various bars. He tuned pianos for various venues such as the Rajah Temple, the Bean Funeral Home, Chicago at Albright College, churches, and numerous private customers in their homes. He tickled the ivories for patients at the Lebanon VA Center and the Hearthstone and Willow Valley Retirement Homes for several years, and his latest accomplishment was completing his third professionally recorded music CD at Sound Design Studio in Millersville, PA with his son Kenneth in August.
John Forster had an uncertain future when he was born but made the most of his life as a dedicated and devoted family man with a passion for life that was unbridled. He spent summers camping with his family at Hickory Run State Park; chasing the waves in Lewes, Delaware; and sharing his passion for music. His family and friends will remember him affectionately as a talented and nurturing man whose family always came first. He enjoyed golfing and watching football and baseball with his sons and working with his daughter on remodeling her house or organizing family picnics. A member of the Church of the Brethren, Wyomissing, PA, he was an active and essential member of the church band.
Family members held a private viewing on Monday, September 28th; a public memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Wyomissing Church of the Brethren; 2200 State Hill Rd.; Wyomissing, PA 19610. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the COPD Foundation; 3300 Ponce De Leon Blvd.; Miami, FL 33134.