Patrick J. Forkin II – Uncle Pat and Mimi family gatherings

Patrick J. Forkin II, 90, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on May 30, 2021 with his loving wife and family at his side.  He was born on January 16, 1931 in Springfield, Illinois to Patrick J. Forkin and Anna Gorenz Forkin. He married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Carver and they enjoyed 70 years together.

He also leaves behind six children, Sherry Grosse (Philip) of Ramsey, NJ, Colleen Kaelin (Larry) of Carmel, IN, Dr. Mary Pat Forkin (Dr. Robert Arthur) of Carmel, IN, Patrick J. Forkin III (Yolanda) of Wildwood, MO, Michele Spinell (Richard) of Barrington, IL, and Shaun P. Forkin of Carmel, IN.  Patrick’s legacy includes 26 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Kathleen Forkin Schwalb (Joe) of Dallas, Texas and many loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Louise Lorton Sommer, his son Christopher W. Forkin and his daughter Kathleen Forkin Wood.

Patrick grew up in Springfield, Illinois and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1948.  He graduated from Saint Louis University in 1952 with a degree in Accounting.  He passed his CPA exam and began his career with Price Waterhouse in St. Louis, Missouri.  He went on to become the Chief Financial Officer of several companies and co-founded an investment banking firm. Patrick never really retired and was active in his work just days before his death.

Patrick will be forever remembered as a man who loved, supported and protected his cherished and large family.  Nothing made him happier than a new addition. He loved to entertain friends and he hosted parties with the same enduring principle; “if you are going to do something, do it right”.  There was no project or challenge that was too big.  The wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners that Barbara and Patrick hosted for their children are legendary. Patrick built three homes for his family over the years and each one was designed and built to high quality specifications on strong foundations meant to last “forever”.  That is the type of persistence, drive and faith that defined his life. He will continue to be known as “Papa” to his 44 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with two more on the way!

Patrick’s father immigrated to the United States from County Mayo, Ireland.  Patrick was well known as a “great Irishman”.  His passion for Ireland and his family in Ireland was ever present.  He often signed important documents with green ink and will be laid to rest in his favorite Irish Green jacket. He made many journeys to Ireland, with Barbara, his children and grandchildren. Patrick loved sharing stories of his childhood and his family.

The Forkin family is forever grateful to Dr. Robert Habig and the medical professionals at Saint Vincent Hospital that administered to Patrick in his final days and to family and friends who prayed for his peace and supported our family during this time.

The Forkin family plans to celebrate Patrick’s life with family and friends through visitation on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 4 – 7 pm at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.  Patrick’s Funeral Mass will begin at 10 am, on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Burial will follow the funeral mass at Calvary Cemetery.  All arrangements are being handled by Staab Funeral Home and we are very grateful to the Staab family for their dedication to bring Patrick back home to Springfield.

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