Robert L. Forker, Jr.

Robert L. “Bob” Forker, Jr., 81, of Williamsport, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at The Gatehouse of Divine Providence Hospital.

Bob was born on March 5, 1944, in Binghamton, NY, a son of the late Robert L. Forker, Sr. and Norma Fisher Forker. He was a man of integrity and warmth, whose life was a testament to the value of hard work, family, and service. Bob graduated from Binghamton High School, NY, where he laid the foundation for a life of diligence and responsibility. On July 15, 1961, he married the love of his life, Shirley A. (Edwards) Forker, in Johnson City, NY. Several years later, Bob’s career brought him and his family to Williamsport, and together they created a home in the Williamsport Community.

Bob's professional life was marked by his role as a supervisor in production control, where he demonstrated his leadership and expertise. He retired in 2007 after a fulfilling career that spanned several respected companies, including Woolworth, Cadre Electronics, and Primus. His work ethic and dedication to his job were mirrored in his commitment to his family and community.

He was a man of many interests, but perhaps most notable was his unwavering dedication to volunteering. For over a decade, Bob devoted his time to the West End Christian Community Church (WECCC), where he was not only a member but a pillar of support and a beacon of kindness to all who knew him. At WECCC, he and his wife founded what is now called the Robert and Shirley Forker Welcome Wagon. Bob enjoyed playing cards with his family, especially Phase 10, and cutting a rug to any genre of music. He also had a hobby of creating silk flower arrangements to share with his loved ones.

Bob's legacy is carried on by his loving family, including his wife, Shirley; his children Robert L. Forker, III (Melissa), Zenon Forker (Gwenda), and Margaret VanSant (Thomas); his grandchildren who called him “Pa”, Blake, Janelle, and Sean, along with nine additional grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren; his brothers, Jim Forker (Sandy) and Ralph Wheeland (Penny); his sister, Darlene Justofin (Buz); and his presence will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Bob was also preceded in death by his brother, David Forker.

Funeral services to honor Bob’s life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Knight-Confer Funeral Home, 1914 Memorial Ave., Williamsport, with burial to follow at Green Lawn Memorial Park, Montgomery. A viewing will be held prior from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Knight-Confer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the SK Café at the West End Christian Community Center, 901 Diamond St., Williamsport, PA 17701.

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