Joseph Paul Forte

Age 68 passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Paul was born and raised in Elmira, a son of the late Joseph D. and Therese Esposito Forte. He is survived by his wife Monica DePalma Forte; children J. Paulie Forte and his wife Taryn with their daughter Lydia …. Maria A. Forte and her husband Xavier McDaniels …. and …. Anthony M. Forte; siblings with spouses, Michael J. and Diane Forte, Maureen A. Forte, Anthony G. and Kim Forte, Jacqueline F. and Paul Henry; mother-in-law Amber Dickerson-Whitford with husband Fran Whitford; father-in-law Charles A. DePalma with wife Sherry DePalma; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Charles “Tony” and Yvonne DePalma, Mary Ellen and Tim Westervelt, Maria and Leonard Collins, Christina DePalma Maffucci, Cindy Durham, Susan and Heather DePalma-Spivey; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Paul is also predeceased by his step father-in-law Harold Dickerson and brothers-in-law, Scott Dickerson and Kenny Durham.

Paul attended Elmira Free Academy, class of 1975. He went on to graduate from Frederick Military Academy in Virigina. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota, earning bachelor’s degrees in business administration and Hotel and Restaurant Management. Paul had many jobs. After graduating, he worked on the Alaskan Pipeline in New Mexico. Eventually he moved back to the East Coast and worked as a food service director and later as a hospital administrator. He was an entrepreneur. He had a fruit stand in Philadelphia, PA and a hot dog stand in Corning, NY. In 2008 he opened Big Paul’s Grill in Corning. Paul operated his restaurant for 11 years before retiring. As a post-retirement job he worked at Stateline Auto in Waverly, NY.

Sports has always been a passion for Paul. In high school he excelled in football and wrestling. He played football and wrestled at Frederick Military Academy and earned All American for his football endeavors. He subsequently received a scholarship to the University of Minnesota to play division 1 football. Paul was an avid sports fan, and his favorite team was the New York Yankees.

Paul showed his love through cooking. Everyone who entered his house was welcomed with warm conversation and delicious food. He inherited the hospitality gene from his mother, Therese. He was the heart and soul of our family. He was a natural leader, caretaker and provider. He approached everything he did with unwavering passion and enthusiasm. Paul was ambitious, hardworking and encouraged everyone around him to be their best selves.

Paul loved the Lord. He attended Victory Highway Church in Painted Post, NY. Here he used his special gift of cooking to serve others in his church by volunteering his time as a chef for special events and holidays.

Family and friends are invited to a service to be held for Paul at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church, 150 Victory Highway, Painted Post NY 14870, on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

Those wishing may remember Paul with a donation to Victory Highway Wesleyan Church.