Known for his passion to help others and devoted to his family
BOW, New Hampshire — Scott Michael Forbes passed away at his home in Bow, New Hampshire on March 6, 2023, at the age of 49. Scott was the devoted father to Abygail B. and Jackson A. Forbes of Merrimack, N.H. Beloved son of Mary (DiMino) and the late William H. Forbes, Jr. of Melrose. Cherished brother to William H. Forbes III, the late Joel A. Forbes, and Julie A. Forbes. Loving uncle to Will, Carter, Cam, and Jaycee. Treasured fiancé to Rachel M. Hagen and her daughter Cora. He is also survived by many extended family, friends, and brothers and sisters in arms. Scott was the definition of service after service, and service before self. He served his community and his country with pride and patriotism.
Born on January 31, 1974, Scott grew up in the city of Melrose. He had a love for hockey, which he played from his early childhood through high school at MHS. Upon graduation from Melrose High School in 1992 and some college, Scott enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserves. Scott served as an Air Transportation Supervisor with the 85th Aerial Port Squadron at Hanscom Air Force Base until 2009, and then continued his service with the 58th Aerial Port Squadron at Westover Air Reserve Base until his retirement after 22 years of service. Scott served three combat tours to such countries as Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. He retired honorably in 2017 at the rank of Master Sergeant.
After Scotts retirement from the Air Force he continued to serve as an active part in the Melrose and veteran community—on the Veterans Advisory Board, with Norman Prince VFW Post 1506, and three terms on the Melrose Board of Alderman (Ward 7), holding the title of Board President during his final year. For the last two years, Scott has been the Executive Director of the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center (VNEOC) in Haverhill. Scott is known for his passion to help others, his kind-hearted humor, and his devotion to his children and family. He had an avid love for golf [and intermittent love of his Scotty Cameron putter]. Scott will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 20. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Interment with military honors at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the 22 Mohawks foundation, https://22mohawks.com. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com. 
