George S. Forsythe

On April 21, 2024, George Smedley Forsythe, peacefully passed away in his home in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Born in Media, Pennsylvania, on August 29, 1933, George was the son of Jesse Garrett Forsythe and Emma Forsythe, nee Thorp. He was predeceased by his brother, Jesse Garrett Forsythe, Jr. and is survived by his brother, James Thorp Forsythe.

His life was one of adventure, shenanigans, and a deep love of family. He had an unparalleled work ethic. His first regular paying job was delivering newspapers in elementary school six days a week. His mother worried he would be led astray on the wild streets of Media, so his summers involved working on various farms from the time he was 10 years old. 

In 9th grade, he began attending Westtown Friends School as a boarding student. His immigrant ancestor, John Forsythe, was the first head teacher there in 1799 and many family members had both taught there as well as graduated from the school. Westtown offered a rigorous education; however, George would excel in the area of mischievous pranks more so than academic excellence. In fact, from a very young age, his teachers noted that ‘George assumed an air of indifference’, a trait that his family would laugh about for the rest of his life. 

Upon graduating from high school, he worked at the Media Laundry while figuring out what type of career he wanted. The following year he enrolled at Earlham College where he would earn a varsity letter his first year as a soccer goalie. But by Christmas, he was drafted in the Marine Corps and eventually went to Korea just as the war ended, then served in Japan working with peacekeeping efforts. He attained the rank of sergeant in 1955, and was honorably discharged the following year.

George re-enrolled at Earlham and would complete his degree in Economics three years later. One of his highlights at Earlham was being the escort for Martin Luther King, Jr, who was speaking at the college. Dr. King asked George where he was from and shared that he knew Media well, as he had attended Seminary at Upland, PA.

In the summer of 1959, he met the love of his life, Carole Forbes, while on a vacation in Fenwick Island. They were married the following year, August 20th, 1960. They had two children, and would lovingly retore a 300 year-old farmhouse, which would be their home for many years to come. While George worked a number of corporate jobs after college, restoring his home would impact his career trajectory. His natural ability for restoration, mechanics, and craftmanship were undeniable. He found great satisfaction in using his hands to create and build and he eventually switched careers, leaving the corporate world to join the carpenters’ union.

George had numerous hobbies and interests. He had a great love of fishing which began when he was just a few years old fishing at Westtown Lake with his family. This passion would take him on wonderful excursions with friends to Mexico and Costa Rica. He enjoyed yearly trips to a hunting camp where he would occasionally get a deer, but would always have a great time. George also loved spending time at his favorite ‘watering hole’ where he enjoyed a game of pool and a cold beer. And he was an exceptional wood worker, and friends and family have been the grateful recipients of his fine craftsmanship over the years.

A defining trait of George’s was his ability to tell a story – and did he ever have the stories to tell. If he got that twinkle in his eye and a mischievous grin, you knew you were in for a treat. But George had a serious side, as well. His calm, quiet strength also defined who he was. He was a man of integrity and action; a man who impacted the lives of all who knew him and who led by example.

While George was ‘asked not to apply’ to his senior year at Westtown, (another fabulous story) Quaker education remained important to him throughout his life. He was a life-long member of Media Friends Meeting and was on the board of Media Providence Friends School for over a decade. The Cornerstone Award was bestowed upon him for his dedication and support to this school.

In 2021, George and Carole moved to Moravian Village in Bethlehem, PA, to be closer to family. Even at 90 years old, he volunteered weekly at the Industrial Museum, and was involved in a number of activities at his residence.

His is greatly missed and loved by his wife of 64 years, Carole Forbes Forsythe, daughter, Donna Lee Forsythe and her husband John Risinger, son Mark Spinner Forsythe, Grandchildren Brian Forsythe Sweeney, Erin Sweeney Israel and her husband Todd Israel, Henry Beach Forsythe, Georgina Beach Forsythe, Ian Wallace Risinger, and Finn William Risinger, and Great-Grandchildren Sloane Elise Israel, and Ryder Fox Israel – as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other beloved family members.

His spirit of adventure, love for his family, and zest for life will forever inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Services: A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 16th, 11:00am, at the Lehigh Valley Friends Meetinghouse. 4116 Bath Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18017

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Media Providence Friends School can be made here: Media Providence Friends School Donations

Check the box “I would like to dedicate this donation” then select “In Memory Of” and list George Forsythe in the tribute name field. 

Alternatively, you can mail a check to: MPFS 125 W. Third Street Media, PA 19063

Att: Development -  George Forsythe Tribute.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.