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Joseph M. Forejt, M.D.

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Joseph M. Forejt, M.D., 90, a well known Connellsville physician, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2006, in LaFayette Manor, Uniontown, Pa. Dr. Forejt was very dedicated and personable and established a tremendous rapport with his patients. He was a general practitioner and among his many accomplishments medically, he delivered over 5000 babies, many of which he retained personal contact with over the years. Dr. Forejt practiced for many years but was somewhat incapacitated following a stroke in 1993. He was keenly interested in the hospital in Connellsville and was active on the reorganization committee when the hospital was changed from a State Hospital to what is now Highlands Hospital. He was recognized for his meritorious service at a portrait unveiling some years ago.

Born November 10, 1915, Dr. Forejt was a native of Mount Pleasant a son of the late Joseph and Anna Forejt. He was a graduate of Hurst High School in 1933 and from Washington and Jefferson College in 1937 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He graduated from the prestigious Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia in 1941 where he received his M.D. degree. He began his practice in Connellsville in 1946. Dr. Forejt was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and his cottage in Cameron County as well as playing golf at Pleasant Valley Country Club where he was a member. He served on the Connellsville School Board for two terms. He was a member of the American Medical Association, as well as the Pa. Medical Association. He was also a member of the Society of Contemporary Medical through which he accumulated endless hours of continuing medical education. He also did continuing education on breast cancer and diabetes at Allegheny General Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. Dr. Forejt was very proud of his service to his country having served in the United States Army from 1941 to 1946 during World War II four years of which he spent in the European Theatre. He first served with the United States Army Medical Reserve and was commissioned a First Lieutenant and was activated in 1941 at Carlisle Barracks, Carlisle, Pa. He rose to the rank of Major and Commanding Officer of Company B of the 327th Medical Battalion of the famous 102nd Infantry Division (The Ozarks) whose principle purpose was treating injured casualties of the war. He also served overseas with the Regimental Surgeon of the 406th Regiment, 106th Infantry Division. His decoration and commendations include the Bronze Star with Oak leaf Clusters. He was a member of the Milton L. Bishop American Legion Post 301 of Connellsville and the 102nd Infantry Division Association.

He married Martha Casperson of Emporium on June 7, 1937, who survives. Martha was his confidant and advisor and assisted him in many ways with his medical practice.

He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Connellsville, Pa. and was a 52 year member of King Solomons Lodge 346 F & AM. He was a 50 year member of the Scottish Rite Consistory Valley of Coudersport, a 50 year member of the Royal Arch Chapter 283 Connellsville, a life member of the Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh and Caravan 9 of Uniontown and the AARP.

The Forejts were not privileged to have children following the death of an infant son Joseph Carl in 1949.

In addition to his parents and son, he was preceded in death by a brother, Albert Forejt, and two sisters, Leona Forejt Miller and Emily Forejt Lint.

In addition to his loving wife, Martha, Dr. Forejt is survived by a nephew, Leonard Lint and wife, Betty of Ohio.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 111 East Green Street, Connellsville, Pa. Additional viewing will be held on Friday in the Wesley United Methodist Church, South Pittsburgh Street, Connellsville from 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of services with his pastor Rev. Craig Forsythe officiating.

Committal services and interment will follow in Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville with full military rites accorded at the graveside by the Connellsville Veteran’s Association. The King Solomon’s Lodge 346 F & AM will conduct a memorial ritual at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highlands Hospital, 401 East Murphy Avenue, Connellsville, Pa., 15425, in memory of Dr. Joseph M. Forejt. To sign the guest registry, please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes.com

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