Leonard C. “Al” Forro
Age 82, a lifelong resident of Twining, MI passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at McLaren Bay Regional Hospital in Bay City, MI. He was born on December 10, 1941 in Twining, MI to the late Stephen and Julia Forro (Valent). Al graduated from Arenac Eastern High School in 1959. He played multiple sports in school and was proudly crowned the school’s first homecoming king. Al served in the United States Navy before being honorably discharged in 1963. He then moved back home to rescue his bride from the swamps of Turner by marrying the former Lorraine Schlagel on August 22, 1964 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Turner, MI. Besides his work as the Twining pig farmer, Al was employed for 30 years as an engineer for the railroad. He retired in 1999 from Lake States Railroad and later spent many winters in Florida. Al was a jack of all trades and could often be found fixing and reselling cars, building, managing and maintaining rental homes and coaching or playing men’s softball for Club 65 or Card Equipment. He even logged his own wood that he used to build the family home. Al enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and casino trips while spending time at the cabin in the U.P. of Michigan. He was instrumental in creating the George Lappeus Baseball Field in Mason Township. Al served as the President of the Northern Michigan Men’s Softball League and he was on the Arenac Eastern School Board from 1983-1987. He was considered a character by most as he enjoyed finding humor in most things but was a proud family man most importantly. One of Al’s favorite things to do was attend “coffee break” with his dear friends at the Sportsmans Bar in Twining. He is survived by his wife Lorraine (Schlagel) of Twining, MI; three daughters, Mary Jo Forro of Twining, MI, Debora (Scott Howard) Downing of Mancelona, MI, Tina Robinson of Omer, MI; 5 grandchildren, Joshua Cano, Jared Cano, Megan Downing, Malaree Robinson, Jack Robinson and one great-grandson, Brandon Cano. Al is also survived by one sister and two brothers, Evelyn Nagy of Tawas City, MI, Jerry (Barb) Forro of Tawas City, MI, Ed (Barb) Forro of Kawkawlin, MI and several nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am (instate at 10:00 am) on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Prescott, MI. Interment will follow in the Cedar Valley Cemetery in Twining, MI. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Buresh Funeral Home in Twining, MI. You may offer condolences at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
