Anthony "AJ" J. Forte

Anthony J. “AJ” Forte, of Wellsburg, WV, formerly of Steubenville, left this world and family on earth to join his family and friends in Heaven on September 19, 2022. He was 62 and a Catholic by faith.

Anthony was born on November 16, 1959, son of the late Patsy J. Sr. and Hilda L. (Dellefate) Forte, in Steubenville. He was a member of the former St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Steubenville and a 1978 graduate of Steubenville Catholic Central High School. He furthered his education at the former Jefferson Community & Technical College (EGCC), and Wheeling Jesuit.

Anthony touched many lives during his time here by his kindness, generosity, coaching and encouragement. He tried to practice and share the faith he held so dear. He worked very hard at every position he held, following the good work ethics of his parents. He enjoyed reminiscing about his security work and the people he met. He loved coaching and spent 40 years coaching in basketball and football. Spending time with Robin and the late Mark Sanders’ grandchildren, Ezra and Noah Grace, was the joy of his life. He loved and adored them dearly. The Sanders Family were more than life long friends. They were family. A.J. was a great fan of Big Red and Edison Local sports, and rooted for The Ohio State and the Steelers. A bright light in the world has definitely gone out.

He currently worked for Edison Local School District as a substitute teacher and Assistant Coach for Boys Varsity Basketball. He recently retired as the former VP of Operations at Team ATG America’s Premier Ceiling Cleaning Company. In addition to his work with Security, he was Assistant Coach for Varsity Basketball at Steubenville Big Red, and Coached the Ohio Valley Viper Basketball Camps and Clinics.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Luigi and Maria (Farnelli) Dellefate; his paternal grandparents, Salvatore and Rose M. (Battifarano) Forte; his brothers, Samuel Paul and Patsy Forte, Jr.; aunt, Isabelle (Forte) Ferrelli and her husband, his “unkie”, Joseph Ferrelli; his niece, Rosie Johnson; Godfather, Vincent Lopresto; best friend, Mark Sanders; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory are cousins, Della, Mary Jo, and Vince, Ellen and Luca Rinaldi; his dearest friend, Robin Sanders and the entire Sanders family, most especially, Ezra and Noah Grace, whom he loved and adored as if they were his own grand children; his very, very dear friends, Anthony Mougianis , Tara Dzvonick, Ken Davis, Rick Trimmer, Jim & Kathy Freiling and David Mosti; nephews, niece and great nephew. He will also be greatly missed by his many Ciacci, Forte and Dellefate cousins as well as his many friends, students and players.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 2 pm until time of services at 5 pm at the Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville. Burial will take place at a later date in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  

“May his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest In Peace. Amen.”

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Memorial donations may be made here: https://gofund.me/230053e6

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com