Brian C. DeForest

Brian C. DeForest, 42, of Marathon, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at the Guthrie Cortland Regional Medical Center after becoming ill at home.

Brian was born in Cortland, NY, on August 8, 1981, the son of Theodore DeForest and Michelle Smith Blair.  A lifelong resident of the area, he was employed as a metal fabricator for FML Industries, Homer, NY.  Brian was an avid San Francisco 49’s fan, an amazing woodworker and could make anything out of metal, as well.  He was an avid muskie and bass fisherman but most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend who was a genuine loving family man.

He is survived by the love of his life, Tina (Sabin) DeForest; his children, Alyssa, Reionna, Zach, Ashlynn, Brian II DeForest, Shaylea and Joshua Vasquez, and Mason O’Donnell and family.  He also leaves behind his father, Theodore (Julie) DeForest; his mother, Michelle Smith (Jerry) Blair; his sisters, Amy DeForest, Andrea (Erika) DeForest, Jessica (Joel Phillips) Blair; and Alyson (Billy) Lunkenheimer; brother, Eric (Jamie) Lee; his mother-in-law, Betty Sabin; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and too many friends to mention.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Erwin and Beverly Smith; paternal grandparents, Emelia and Sheldon DeForest; and his father-in-law, William J. Sabin.

The family will be present to receive friends on Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Marathon Memorial Chapel, 4071 State Highway 221, Marathon, NY.  Immediately following the visitation, there will be a celebration of Brian’s life at the Marathon American Legion.  A private burial will be held at the Virgil Rural Cemetery.  Expressions of sympathy for Brian may be directed to his family  for the purpose of his children’s education.