Richard Anthony LaForte - Obituary

ichard Anthony LaForte, age 63, a five year resident of Port Deposit, MD and formerly of Fort Washington, MD passed away at his residence on Monday, April 19, 2021 from Coronary Artery Disease. Richard was born November 4, 1957 in Perth Amboy, NJ to Michael and Geraldine LaForte. After graduating High School he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He served his country as an Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue Specialist for seven years including a tour in Japan and a tour in Turkey. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in July of 1983. He started a career with the Prince George’s County Fire Department in 1984 as a Fire Technician. He retired after 18 years of service in 2002. His nickname around the Fire Department was “Fred Flintstone”. Richard was a former Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #5317. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, playing golf, dominating the world while playing Risk, spending time with his family, playing cards (poker & spades) and drinking Coors Light. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his five children, John L. LaForte of Nottingham, PA, Michael E. LaForte of Ashburn, VA, Richard S. LaForte of Manassas, VA, Kathleen E. Maresch of Waldorf, MD and Michelle F. LaForte of Manassas, VA; his brother, Michael K. LaForte of Bethel, ME ; his grandchildren, Sean M. LaForte of Ashburn, VA and Guinevere E. Maresch of Waldorf, MD; his former wives, Virginia Stidoms and Suzanne LaForte and many other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Richard’s Life Celebration on Friday, May 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, May 8th at 12 noon at Highview Memorial Gardens, 3433 Fallston Rd., Fallston, MD 21047. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Semper Fi Fund, seperfifund.org