Forrest Rearick, Jr.

    Forrest Rearick, Jr., age 82 of New Bethlehem, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, March 3, 2024, while surrounded by his loved ones.

     Born June 1, 1941 in Putneyville, Armstrong County, he was a son of the late Forest Rearick and Helen LaBorde Rearick.

     He was a 1959 graduate of Redbank Valley High school and continued his education in electronics at DeVry in Chicago while working at Union Station.

     Forrest proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1964 to 1966.

    Upon his return from the service in 1966, he began working for PennDOT, where he received the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in 1993 naming him “Best of the Best.”  He retired as the Transportation Construction Manager in 1994 then spent several years as a consultant for construction companies.

    Forrest served as Chairman of the Board for Mahoning Township Municipal Authority for many years.

    He was a former member of the Climax Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and youth teacher, and a current member of the Springside Baptist Church.

    Forrest enjoyed spending time on his pontoon boat fishing with his brothers and family, loved talking and reminiscing with people, and the Wednesday morning breakfasts at the “Corner.”

    He said a pray for and considered everyone a friend.

    Forrest leaves behind his true love of 57 years, his wife, the former Nancy L. Bish, who he married on April 6, 1968; daughter, Keri Ann Rearick; brother, Randall (Elizabeth) Rearick; sisters, Carol Wiant and Diana (Den) Gruver; sisters-in-law, Shelva Rearick, Pat (Rick) Altland, Ruth Ann Davis and Bonnie (Jon) Ferrell, and many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bradley F. Rearick; brothers, Frank Rearick and John Rearick; sister, Mary Chestnut; brothers-in-law, Ronald J. Bish and Charles McGuire, and sister-in-law, Joyce McGuire.

     Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024 at the Springside Baptist Church, 3504 Route 28, New Bethlehem.

     Services will follow at 1 p.m. in the church with Reverend Rob Cummins, pastor of Springside Baptist, officiating.

    Military honors will be accorded at the church by the Walter W. Craig American Legion Post #354 of New Bethlehem.

     Interment will take place at the Oakland Cemetery in Distant.

     Online condolences may be sent to Forrest’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

     Arrangements are under the direction of the Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service of New Bethlehem.

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