William J. "Billy" Forster

William J. “Billy” Forster, 79, Salem, NH sadly passed away on February 6, 2026 following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family. 

Born in Boston he was the son of William and Gertrude (Doucette) Forster. He attended East Boston High School in 1964 and was then drafted in 1966 into the United States Army where he served in Okinawa. Billy married his wife Paula in 1968 and started a family. He continued his education obtaining an associate’s degree in business management.  He later went on to work for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Brighton Municipal Court and East Boston Municipal Court from where he retired. Billy enjoyed going to Florida where he was always working on his tan. We can’t forget how much loved his scratch tickets and going to the casino with Paula. Billy was known for his “long story short” and “true stories”.  He had a huge heart and the biggest personality with the ability to make family and friends smile. 

Billy’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him. He leaves behind countless memories that will continue to comfort his family and friends. 

Billy is survived by his wife of 58 years Paula (Cutlip) Forster and his children Brenda Forster and her fiancé Charlie Henry of North Andover, his son Stephen and his wife Stacey Forster of Gilmanton, NH his grandchildren Alyssa and her husband Billy Blundell of Salem, NH, Tayla Ginnetti of Methuen, MA and Marc Ginnetti Jr. of North Andover, MA, great grandsons Jaxon and Jace, former son-in-law Marc Ginnetti and his wife Teresa, and sister Kathy Drift of Gilford, NH. He was the brother-in-law of Barbara and Jimmy Kelble, Patty and Tony Leone, Mary and Jeff Duber. Warren and Marie Cutlip and the late Richard Cutlip and Leslie Seaman. He was also the best uncle to many nieces and nephews.  

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday February 11, 2026 from 9 am to 11 am at the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home 42 Main Street Salem, NH. Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 11:00 am on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery will be private at a later date. To leave an online condolence, please visit Billy”s tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.

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