William Allen Forster Obituary

Obituary

William Allen Forster was born on December 21, 1944, in Memphis, TN. Bill was the eldest of five children to the late Regina Penner and Milton Forster. After attending  Frederick’s Military Academy and serving in the Coast Guard Reserve, Bill set his sights on winning the heart of Marcy Jacobs, whom he adored from the age of thirteen. They married in 1968, and together they raised three daughters. 

Bill began his professional career as a sales manager, where he built lasting relationships with buyers from major retail chains nationwide. Years later, he partnered with a close friend to develop an importing program that took him across the globe armed with little more than a legal pad and an unwavering confidence in his negotiation skills. Guided by optimism, grit, and a belief that anything was possible, Bill lived by the philosophy, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

A devoted community leader, Bill served as the president of B’nai Torah Congregation for two terms. Each Saturday morning, he welcomed members with a heartfelt, “Shalom Y’All”. He took great joy in forming friendships with cantors and often matched them with open positions in both the Reform and Conservative movements.

Bill’s commitment to philanthropy was central to his life. With Marcy, he established a food pantry in Boca Raton for economically vulnerable members in the community, provided chickens for Shabbat to senior citizens, donated iPads and wheelchairs to children with disabilities, and raised funds to support the Neve Michael Children’s Village in Israel. In honor of their late grandson, they funded after-school programs and created a free children’s shoe store at the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach to serve underserved children, which continues to this day. Bill also authored five books, including two children’s books, to support his Chicken for Shabbat initiative.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Marcy; his three daughters and sons-in-law, Erin Forster & Paul Krasker, Jamie & Marc Falkin, and Brooke & Matthew Kochman; and his eight grandchildren, Jacob, Gavin & Sophie Mooallem, Sarah, Max & Leo Falkin, and Maggie & Julia Kochman. He is also survived by his devoted sister and brother-in-law, Sande & Danny Keil.

May William Forster’s memory be a blessing and a source of inspiration to all whose lives were enriched by his love, generosity, kindness, and enduring good humor.

Memorial Contributions

The family requests that any donations be made to support Justin’s Shoe Store at The Caridad Center.

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