Community Mourns Loss of Business Leader and Humanitarian
William Allen Forster, a pioneering entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist, passed peacefully on February 2, 2026 at age 81. Born December 21, 1944 in Memphis, Tennessee, Forster built a legacy spanning business innovation and charitable work that touched countless lives.
Early Life and Formative Years
The eldest son of Regina (Penny) Penner and Milton Forster, William – known affectionately as Bill – spent his formative years in Portsmouth, Virginia after the family relocated there. Community leaders at Gomley Chesed Synagogue helped shape his strong Jewish identity during adolescence. His entrepreneurial drive emerged early when, at just fourteen, he began selling refurbished tires to used car dealerships from his bicycle.
Military Service and Business Ventures
After graduating from Frederick’s Military Academy and attending Guilford Academy, Forster served in the Coast Guard Reserve. These experiences cultivated the resilience that defined his professional journey. He married childhood sweetheart Marcy Jacobs in 1968, establishing roots in their hometown before relocating to Norfolk where they raised three daughters.
Forster’s sales management career began at Star Band Company, where he developed nationwide retail relationships. Later international ventures took him across Asia and Europe with nothing but legal pads and unwavering confidence. “If you can dream it, you can do it,” he often told colleagues, a philosophy reflected in diverse enterprises ranging from artificial Christmas trees to cabaret ownership.
Community Leadership and Philanthropy
After moving to Boca Raton in 1984, Forster founded a fence import business while maintaining deep community involvement. As two-term president of B’nai Torah Congregation, he revitalized programming and became known for his warm “Shalom Y’All” greetings during services.
Together with his wife Marcy, Forster established transformative initiatives including a Boca Raton food pantry, Chicken for Shabbat meals for seniors, and disability support programs. Their most enduring legacy became Justin’s Shoe Store at Caridad Center, providing footwear to underserved children in honor of their late grandson.
Personal Passions and Legacy
An avid angler, Forster cherished fishing trips with grandchildren, teaching them to bait hooks and photograph catches. His Brooklyn-inspired love for Nathan’s hot dogs became family legend. The author of four books including works supporting charitable causes and celebrating family bonds, Forster’s final publication explored interfaith themes in What if the Messiah Was Already Here?
Forster is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marcy; daughters Erin Forster, Jamie Falkin, and Brooke Kochman; eight grandchildren; and sister Sande Keil. A funeral service will be held February 5th at Gary Panoche Funeral Home in Boca Raton. Memorial contributions may be directed to Justin’s Shoe Store via the Caridad Center’s donation portal.
Those who knew Forster remember a man whose generosity, humor, and unwavering optimism inspired everyone around him. His remarkable life serves as testament to the power of vision combined with compassionate action.
