Raffaele Antonio Stefano Forte , best known as my Dad was born in the heart of London in 1934. 
His parents were both Italian from the Amalfi coast, and although Dad enjoyed being a “ true Londoner “ always showing off his rhyming cockney slang skills, Italy was a place that Dad loved to visit frequently and was proud of his Italian roots. 
Dad was the oldest of 3, he had a brother my uncle Mario and his baby sister my auntie Anna Maria, who he loved dearly and enjoyed visiting often.
To say my dad was a very highly spirited child would be an understatement, but he was a caring, loving child.
Although he hated school he believed that you should always work hard, he never had one sick day in his work life. Dad frequently boasted of managing to get 50 jobs in one year…. Something he was very proud of!!
 
Dad met and married my mum in 1961, they had  my sister Susannah, and I came along 5 years later.
My mother became seriously ill in 1972 and my dad spent over 40 years being mum’s carer as well as working full time and looking after us girls, my dad was the one stable person in my life.
 
He attended this church St Bartholomew’s  since the 1970’s when he moved here from North London.
He loved his church; he was a devout catholic that gave him great comfort in some of his darkest times. 
 
Dad was a keen photographer and I seem to have hundreds of photos to prove his love of the camera. 
 
He was a great gardener, he had very green fingers and enjoyed having an allotment in Streatham Vale and becoming a committee member. He was so overjoyed at winning first prize one year for growing the biggest pumpkin…. Even though he hated pumpkin..
 
A very talented baker, he loved producing cakes which he shared with his neighbours and friends.
A popular resident of our area he was always helping someone, nothing was too much trouble. He always used to say 'There but for the grace of God go I'
 
Dad was a very caring gentle happy person, he loved life , his family and friends He did not like conflict and never held a grudge.
 
I have very fond memories of my dad, as a child I was sick, and he used to make our regular visits to Great Ormond Street hospital a great adventure.
I would follow my dad everywhere, a typical daddy’s girl!
 
Although he struggled for money, I can honestly say I never wanted for anything and most importantly I knew he loved me as I love him unconditionally.
 
He taught me a lot of things especially to have respect for others and help as many people as you can.
 
Sadly 2 weeks before his big 80th birthday he suddenly lost his younger brother, uncle Mario and this impacted greatly on his health.
Dad suffered from dementia for nearly 7 years, its stripped away his character and his independence. 
As his carer throughout his dementia, it was very challenging at times but there was also a lot of love and laughter too.
 
His passing has left a large void in my heart as well as my life and life will never be the same.
I feel privileged to have looked after him and was with him when he passed, and I am honoured to call him my dad.
 
I take comfort in knowing he is now free from pain; his spirit will always be with me and I look forward to the day I am reunited with.
I love and miss my dad and I thank him for being a wonderful dad  to me xx