Joseph C. "Papa Joe" Forte, 78, formerly of Aston died January 21, 2016 at Delaware Hospice of Milford. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he has spent the past 13 years living in Millsboro, DE.

Joe was a graduate of St. James High School, class of 1956. Six years ago he retired from Sonoco in Hartsville, SC where he was employed as a Mechanical Engineer since 1974. Mr. Forte was an entertainer who led the band "Joe Forte and The Originals" for many years beginning in the early 60's. He also enjoyed computers and was an avid Phillies and Eagles Fan.

He was son of the late Gaetano and Donatella Fanelli Forte and father of the late Joseph "Chip" Forte and Veronica Forte Nash.

Survivors: husband of Janice R. Wallace Forte; father of Rita Forte, Donna Cerami (Leonard) and Gina Malaway (Joshua); step-father of Lori Gomez (Gilbert), Tammy Church, Missy Church, Jackie Stout (Richard) and Jerry Church; brother of Anthony Forte (Mary Ann); also survived by 24 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service: 11 AM Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the White-Luttrell Funeral Home, 3551 Concord Rd., Aston where friends may call after 10 AM. Burial Private.

Memorial Gifts to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.