J. Walter Forest, 97, of Ayer

Ayer – J. Walter Forest, 97, of Ayer, passed away peacefully on July 9 in the Life Care Center of Acton. Walter was born in Shirley on August 8, 1928, a son of the late Frank and Melinda (Colard) Forest. He was educated through St. Anthony’s Grammar School and graduated from Ayer High School in 1946, and shortly thereafter he enlisted in the US Navy. He was a proud Navy Veteran, having faithfully served his country on both the USS Columbus and USS Fremont until his honorable discharge in 1952. He was later recalled into service for one year in 1961, where he was stationed aboard the USS Miller as a Chief Petty Officer Corpsman. Upon returning home, Walter worked at Kidder’s Express for several years before starting his career at the United States Postal Service. He worked his way up to the position of Postmaster in Pepperell, retiring in 1988 after 26 years of service. Walter belonged to the National Association of Postmasters as well as several other associations, including the US Navy Cruiser Sailors and USS Fremont APA 44 Veterans Associations. He was a life member of the VFW in Townsend as well as the American Legion Post 193 in Ayer. Having been the Past Commander, Walter was very active in the American Legion and belonged to the Middlesex County Installation Team. In his later years, Walter enjoyed making puzzles, often welcoming the help of family members and visitors. He is survived by his children, Jo-Anne Poirier and her husband Claude of Little River, SC; Bryan Forest and wife Patricia of Bolivia, NC; Brandon Forest and wife Debra of Shirley; Bradley Forest of Ayer, Brett Forest of Ayer; grandchildren: Nicholas and wife Alexis of Ayer, Daniel Forest and partner Tricia Oliveria of Marlborough, Stephanie Forest and husband Jeager Wells of Pittsburgh, PA, Lauren LaCivita and husband Patrick of North Andover, Shannon Forest of Los Angeles, CA, Adam Forest and Grace Forest of Shirley, Matthew Forest and Julia Forest of Rutland, Dr. Marc Poirier and wife Erin of Pooler, GA; great-grandchildren: Otto, Tucker, Reagan, Jacob, and Ford. He leaves many nieces and nephews, whom he cherished. Walter was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Ernestine “Tina” (Kidder) Forest, as well as his siblings, Donatien, Steven, and Roland Forest, Cecile McWatters, Estelle Oyler, Rita Desrosier, and Theresa Gagne. The family wishes to thank Louise Bresnahan for her weekly visits to administer holy communion, Rich MacCleod for accompanying Walter to many lunches at Tiny’s Restaurant, and numerous other friends who took the time to visit him. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 16, from 4-7pm in the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Rd., Ayer. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 17 at 11am in Saint Anthony’s Church, 12 Phoenix St., Shirley. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ayer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s name to Saint Nicholas Parish, 31 Shirley St., Ayer, MA 01432, or online at www.nashobacatholic.org/givestnicholas.

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J. Walter Forest, 97, of Ayer

August 8, 1928 - July 9, 2026