A funeral mass was offered March 19 at Saint Lawrence Church, Weehawken, for Byron O. Forte, 42. He passed away March 14 at Orlando Florida Hospital in Orlando, Fla., comforted by family members and friends at the time of his passing. Byron was born at Margaret Hayes Hospital, Jersey City, the second child of Domingo and the late Myrna Forte. He grew up in West New York, where he graduated from Harry L. Bain and Memorial High School.
He began his 20-year career in emergency services as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) with West New York Emergency Medical Services (EMS) where he rose to the rank of captain. He also worked with the Union City Police EMS Division, North Bergen EMS, Jersey City Medical Center EMS, and Meadowlands EMS over his long tenure. In addition he worked as an emergency room technician at Palisades Medical Center. He was a rescuer during 9/11 at the World Trade Center site, and numerous mass casualty incidents throughout Hudson County.
Byron was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson University Paramedic Science Program and Upsala College. He mentored numerous individuals including trainee EMTs.
Byron is survived by his partner Zion Miro, Father Domingo Forte,Sister Bianka Forte, nephews Brian Jr. and Austin, nieces Samantha and Brianna and Aunt Doris. His many friends and family in the Emergency Medical Services community will miss him dearly. Services arranged by the Jorge Rivera Funeral Home, North Bergen.