Joseph Forsyth

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Joseph Drexel Forsyth, age 46, who died unexpectedly at his home in New Britain on November 24, 2025. Joe was born to Ellen Doyle and Marcello Joseph Richard on September 13, 1979. At age 13, Joe moved to Berlin and became a member of the Forsyth family.

Joe graduated from Berlin High School in 1998 and attended Springfield College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in applied exercise science and a master’s in counseling. Prior to his most recent career as a professional counselor associate at Mind Dynamics in Rocky Hill, he was an adjunct instructor at Central Connecticut State University, a personal trainer at Powerhouse Gym, and the creator, owner and manager of a small business, Average Joe’s Fitness and Boot Camp in Berlin.

At Average Joe’s, Joe was known for his boundless energy, his wild humor, and the genuine care he had for his clients. His clients benefited from the enthusiasm and enterprising spirit that fueled his life. Joe was passionate and competitive in the best way–from his High School Class M State Championship in wrestling to his most recent 2nd place in pickleball at the 2023 Nutmeg State Games. He was a talented life-long athlete who used his knowledge and skills to change countless lives.

Community service and advocacy were also important to Joe. As a young adult, Joe was invited to the White House, where he was honored by Hiliary Clinton and Tipper Gore for his advocacy in raising the aging-out age for foster care from 18 to 22. He wrote a letter, which impressed Oprah, and he and his mom, Dorothy Forsyth, were invited to be guests on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Joe also organized the Hero Games to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Teams of firefighters, police, correction officers, and community members from his gym came together to compete and raise money for a great cause. Competitors pulled trucks with ropes, flipped tires, climbed over walls, and completed obstacle courses–because if Joe organized it, it was going to be an epic experience.

The intensity and loyalty Joe showed in all aspects of his life was strongest for his friends and family. While he leaves behind many loving family members and friends, most important are his two children Alexa Jane Forsyth and Joseph David Forsyth, whom he loved fiercely.

Joe is survived by multiple loving families. By maternal birth, his siblings Rebecca Foster, Ranee Saylor, Jason Drexel, and Kyle Hinderer. By paternal birth, Shaun Richard, Shannon Richard, and Keleen Richard. He is predeceased by his mother Ellen, father Marcello and brother Joshua Saylor. From the Forsyth family, Joe leaves behind his parents Bill and Dorothy Forsyth and siblings Allyson Mooney, Bart Forsyth, Kevin Forsyth, and Vanessa Gonzalez. He is predeceased by a sister Jolene VanAllen and his beloved Grandmother, Helen Casavecchia.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday December 14th from 3pm - 5pm at the Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin. Funeral Services will be on Monday December 15th at 11:30am at St. Paul’s Church, 461 Alling Street, Berlin, CT. All are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Village for Families and Children to support foster care and child welfare - https://thevillage.org/donate