Obituary of Edward L. Forness

ALLEGANY – Edward L. (Pete) Forness recently of Field of Dreams, and formerly of North Second Street in Allegany, passed away peacefully Friday (Jan. 31, 2025) at Olean General Hospital with his family by his side. Pete was born on August 14, 1941, the son of the late Leo E. and Marie (Hassett) Forness of Allegany. On May 19, 1962, he married his long-time sweetheart, the former Mary (Midge) Barney, who predeceased him on March 24, 2003. He was a proud 1959 graduate of Allegany Central School, where he played football and basketball, and was most proud of being a part of an undefeated basketball team in his senior year. He spent one year at Alfred State College before starting his work-life delivering groceries for the Market Basket in Allegany. He then began a long career in utilities, starting at Warner Cable and finishing over 30 years as a lineman for Bell Atlantic/NYNEX/Verizon, which he affectionately referred to as “Ma Bell”. Pete cherished the time with his “digger” truck partners through the years, loved to work with his hands, and working outside. While Pete worked hard and long hours, what he enjoyed most, his time with Midge, his family, and friends. He enjoyed playing cards, spending time at Cuba and Rushford Lakes, and going to dinner with friends. Pete adored spending time with his children and grandchildren, attending as many of their activities as possible throughout his life. He is survived by his two children, Pam (Duane) Daniels of Olean, and Bob (Nancy) Forness of Olean; three grandchildren, Casey Konieczka, Lindsey (Sara) Hamed and Ally Forness; three great grandchildren; a brother, Ray Forness of Olean; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, stepfather Charles W. Rose, and his wife Midge, Pete was predeceased by sisters, Ann Pezzimenti and Patty Wilber; a brother Tom Forness; and a great grandson. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at calling hours from 11AM-1PM on Monday (Feb. 3, 2025), with a funeral service immediately after at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home at 3128 NY-417 in Olean. Burial will be at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Allegany. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Olean General Hospital Foundation c/o Comfort Care Fund.