William H. Forbes Jr. passed away at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital on September 24, 2016, age 68. Bill was the beloved husband of 45 years to Mary (DiMino) Forbes. Loving father of William H. Forbes III of Saugus, Scott M. Forbes & his wife Susan of Melrose, the late Joel A. Forbes and Julie Hollenbaugh & her husband Joshua of FL. Cherished grandfather of Abygail, Will, Jackson, Carter, Cyann, Camden & Jaycee. Caring brother of Patricia Fresco of Stoneham, Felicia Kalloch & her husband David of NC, Mark Forbes of MA and Cindy Foulkes & her husband James of FL. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Bill served his community and his country with pride and patriotism. Born on 12/31/47, Bill grew up in Everett, MA. Upon his graduation from Everett High School in 1965, Bill enlisted in the United States Army. Bill served as an SP/5 with the 507th Transportation Group in Nha Trang, Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1969, and became a proud member of IUOE Local #4. For the next 45 years Bill worked as a heavy equipment oiler, operator, and elevator man. His family settled in Melrose in 1979, where Bill raised his family and became an integral part of the community. He was actively involved in local youth sports as a coach, referee, umpire, and mentor. Bill proudly served the City of Melrose for 5 terms as a Ward 7 Alderman, and as the Board's President in his final year. He dedicated his time, effort and resources to the community he loved so much, including St. Mary's of the Annunciation Parish, Melrose Veterans Advisory Board, Melrose Veterans Memory Project, and as President Emeritus of the Disabled & Limbless Veterans Organization. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016 from 3:00-8:00PM. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Thursday Sept. 29th at 8:45AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose at 10:00AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment with military honors at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. US Army Vietnam War Veteran. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Melrose Veterans Memory Project @ www.melrose-veterans-memory-project.org or to the Melrose Veterans Fund, made payable to City of Melrose, 562 Main St. Melrose, MA 02176.