Edward M. Forman, Jr.

Edward M. Forman, Jr. was born on May 29, 1928 in Yamasee, SC to Edward Forman and Lottie Williams. He was the 3rd of six children when they moved to Philadelphia, PA. Edward had some college experience, attending Fleisher Art Memorial Institute in 1950, American International College in 1969, attended Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania in 1972 while working in the prisons of Philadelphia. Edward and Harriett Lee married in 1952 and they had three children; Denise, Pierre and Renee. Edward loved the Eagles, reading and playing chess and was always open for a good discussion. Edward also loved wearing nice clothes, and paid great attention to dressing.

“Eddie” was always interested in art and participated in projects throughout his formative education. As a soldier during the Korean conflict, he painted with pastels, but did not consider art a viable professional activity. While supporting his wife and children, he rose through the ranks to become a Warden at the Holmesburg Prison. He also worked at the Philadelphia House of Correction and as Warden closed the historic Eastern State Penitentiary. Early in the marriage, to supplement his income, he engaged in marquetry, and direct metal sculptures. Edward also decided to open a candy store on the corner of Hicks Street where they lived in South Philadelphia.  His wife and oldest daughter managed and worked in the store for a few years. After the death of his wife Harriett in 1974, he was not involved seriously in art for 23 years. He moved in 1996 to Marlton, New Jersey with his daughter Denise and began experimenting with oil painting. The next year they moved to the Chicago, Illinois suburbs, where his daughter had been transferred to manage a Rohm and Haas office. Edward started painting again, began exploring ethnic art and improvisation, using acrylics. After arriving and living in IL for a few months, he met Anna Ferguson. They dated for a few years, and got married in January, 2009. They traveled extensively, as Anna loved to cruise and travel to the Caribbean and Europe. Edward continued to paint while living in Aurora and shared his paintings with friends and family. Anna passed away in May, 2025.

Edward then moved to Middletown Delaware to live with his daughter, Denise and her husband Don until he left us on August 4, 2026.

Edward’s work encompasses a wide range of subjects although he preferred to paint portraits and figures which he found very demanding. He was unrestrained by the rules and was relentless in his pursuit of detail. His paintings are enjoyed by private collectors throughout the eastern states as well as Texas and Illinois. He leaves to cherish his memories, two daughters, Denise (Donald), and Renee (Benjamin); one son, Pierre; one brother, Ronald Forman (Catherine); grandchildren, Jamil, Janelle, Tiffany, Andrea, and Taurean; friend, Eber; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many more relatives and friends.

A memorial service will begin at 11 am on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Batchelor Brothers & Jones Funeral Services, 3215 Garrett Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.