Gerald “Jerry” Henry Forkell

Gerald “Jerry” Henry Forkell, age 76, of Sparta, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Jerry was born December 29, 1949, in Dansville, New York, the only child of Henry and Dorothy (Bendzus) Forkell. He graduated from Dansville Central School. He worked at Moses Nursery in Lima before starting his career at Eastman Kodak after graduation.

At the age of 28, Jerry had a life-altering medical diagnosis, a spinal AMV, that would end up putting him into a wheelchair for the rest of his life. While he struggled with that reality at first, he truly became resilient afterwards. He was always looking for ways that he could make something better and easier for himself so he could continue to enjoy the things he loved to do most. From making his first set of hand controls so he could drive, to modifying his four-wheeler for hunting and ramps so he could get in his boat to fish, to name just a few.

Jerry loved to spend time outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, ride snowmobiles, plow snow in the winter, and just tinker around with anything and everything. He coached his daughter’s softball team when they were younger. He looked forward to his annual 4th of July party at his house and the fireworks every year. He looked forward to the holidays when the family would gather, usually at his house, to eat and play games. Above all else, Jerry treasured time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and his great granddaughters. His love for them was immeasurable and they meant the world to him.

Jerry was a social member of the Sparta Center Volunteer Fire Department for well over 20 years. He would help with the annual Mother’s Day Chicken BBQ, and he looked forward to and enjoyed helping sell pull tabs at the yearly gun raffle every year. He loved to joke with several members of the department.

He is predeceased by his parents, his son-in-law, Robert Lawrence, his ex-wife, Patricia (Patsy) Forkell, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his two daughters, Tina Lawrence and Teresa (Roger) King; his grandchildren Joshua Potter, Brian (Amanda) Lawrence, Danielle (Tyler Koza) Potter, Emily and Alex King; several great granddaughters; and several cousins and friends. Also, a special caregiver, his cousin, Jimmy Bendzus, who helped him and his family immensely.

Jerry will be remembered for his strength, resourcefulness, sense of humor, and his unwavering love for his family.

Friends and family are invited to call from 11 AM - 1 PM on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Chamberlin-Baird Funeral Home, 73 Main Street, Dansville, where funeral services will be held at 1 PM. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery, Scottsburg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Sparta Center Volunteer Fire Co, 8479 Reeds Corners Road, Dansville, NY 14437, in his memory.