Richard Forliano, beloved father, grandfather, teacher and friend died peacefully on September 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on January 18, 1945, Dick attended Pelham Memorial High School in Pelham, New York, and attended Muhlenberg College, graduating in 1966 with a degree in history. He later earned his master’s degree from Iona College.
For over 30 years, Dick taught social studies at Eastchester Junior/Senior High School. His numerous accomplishments included co-chairperson of the Town of Eastchester Bill of Rights Bicentennial Committee from 1988-1991, Eastchester Town Historian from 1988-present, conducting numerous tours of Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Bronxville, while wearing his iconic white wig and historical costumes, Professor of Education at Concordia College and Chairman of the Board in charge of guiding Saint Paul’s Church and National Historic Site where Eastchester was founded in 1664. Richard fostered the Lower Westchester Historian’s Roundtable of Westchester and was honored by NYS for Excellence in Promoting Local History.
Dick authored articles on local history, including a column in the Eastchester Town Report titled, “Historically Speaking”, and a chapter in the book, “Out of the Wilderness”. He also chaired the Education Committee for the 350th Anniversary of the Town, successfully engaging over 1,000 students to participate in exhibits, digital media, film, fine arts and performing arts performances.
Throughout his years, Dick was an avid lover of sports and exercise. In his youth, he enjoyed playing basketball competitively and later on, became passionate about tennis. For many years he managed multiple tennis leagues, forming many valuable friendships.
Dick will be remembered for his commitment to both civic services as Rotary member and for his deep commitment to education including his tireless efforts to connect us to our historical past. Rich He was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of learning from him.
Dick is predeceased by his wife, Faith. He is survived by his children, Kathy (Marc) Gerber, Thomas (Denise Giannasca) and Joseph (Naomi Torres), along with grandchildren Ryan, Justin, Alexa and Tommy.
Visitation Friday 3:00-7:00 at Westchester Funeral Home.
Please join us in celebrating his life on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1:00 p.m. at Village Lutheran Church.
Donations may be made to:
The Eastchester Historical Society at
Eastchester Historical Society
or mailed to St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 S. Columbus Avenue, MT. Vernon, New York 10550.
From the Board of Trustees of the Eastchester Historical Society:
Richard Forliano Tribute
It is with the utmost sadness that the Eastchester Historical Society announces the passing of our beloved Richard “Dick” Forliano. Dick was the living embodiment of Eastchester history and was its foremost scholar, teacher, and ardent promoter since 1968. It is likely that no one has ever dedicated so much of their time and talent to Eastchester’s history as Dick. He possessed a once-in-a-generation passion and intellect for history that is irreplaceable to the community—so much so that, to many, local history and Dick are synonymous.
Dick wasn’t just an astute historian; he was also a devoted family man. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Faith, and leaves behind cherished children and grandchildren. We offer the Forliano family our deepest condolences and want them to know the entire community joins them in their grief for Dick, who gave the very best of himself to Eastchester and the wider community.
Dick first became a history teacher in 1968 and taught hundreds, if not thousands, of students at Eastchester High School during his 37-year career. Many people consider themselves “Forliano Alumni” because they were infused with his same passion and curiosity through their encounters with him. Dick became the Eastchester Town Historian in 1988 and, over the course of his prolific tenure, wrote hundreds of articles, gave hundreds of lectures and presentations, helped coordinate the Eastchester 350th celebration and book, and worked with other community groups to preserve and promote the history of our region and nation.
Dick had the mind of a scholar and the heart of a mentor. His accomplishments are too numerous to list. Since he had a tenacious sense of duty to share what he learned, he may have even humbly lost sight of how much he accomplished. But this year, around the time of his 80th birthday, his ongoing contributions were recognized when he received the NY State Historian of the Year Award. He was without equal.
It will be the mission of the Eastchester Historical Society to carry his legacy forward in all we do.
