In Loving Memory of Joaquin "Jack" L. Forcelledo

December 17, 1941 - February 28, 2024

With profound sadness, we share the passing of Joaquin “Jack” L. Forcelledo, 82, a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. Jack passed away peacefully on February 28, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Beth) Forcelledo, devoted brother Tony (Kathy) Forcelledo, and a vast community of nieces and nephews, family and friends who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his father Joaquin Forcelledo, Sr and his mother Nieves Forcelledo.

Jack was born on December 17, 1941, and grew up in South St. Louis City, attending Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic grade school. Jack continued his education at Bishop DuBourg High School, where he was elected Class President, and star player on the football and baseball teams. As captain of the football team, he graduated in 1960 with academic honors and all-state football honors, earning him a full football scholarship to the University of Missouri, Columbia.  Years later, he was even inducted into the DuBourg Alumni Hall of Fame. In college, Jack was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated with a BA in English and Journalism from the prestigious J School at Mizzou in 1964 and a Masters in Journalism and Mass Communications in 1967. Jack married his loving wife of 59 years, Beth Bogard Forcelledo, at Our Lady of Sorrows in 1965.

Jack's life was a testament to his passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication. His professional journey filled with remarkable achievements spanned the globe, taking him across continents to China, Japan, Australia, and several countries of Europe. With his boundless creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, his career covered several industries, including advertising, food, and toy manufacturing, leaving significant contributions to each field. Jack blazed trails and shattered barriers with his inventive ideas and strategic vision. From his early days at D'Arcy Advertising and Compton Advertising to his groundbreaking work at Keebler where he designed the iconic Keebler tree logo and Ralston Purina, where he produced the first ever pre-sweetened cereal, "Freakies.” Jack's impact on the toy industry was particularly profound and his fierce spirit and ingenious leadership were evident. During his tenure at Mattel Toys in Los Angeles, he created the very successful "Magical Musical Thing." He also revolutionized the Big Wheel with the "Spinout 360" feature. 

However, it was Jack's role as President and CEO of Universal International in New York and London that marked a pinnacle in his career. Tasked with building a new toy corporation, Jack transformed the company into a major player in the toy business through strategic acquisitions like the key acquirement of Lesney (Matchbox Toys). He became President and COO of Matchbox Toys and Vice Chairman of the Board of Universal Matchbox Group. Jack propelled the company to unparalleled success through the licensing acquisition of Voltron, in addition to launching products like the Rubix Cube, ET and Robotech toys. His leadership culminated in single handedly forging the historic IPO for Matchbox on the New York Stock Exchange and earning them the prestigious title of Toy and Company of the Year. Never one to rest on his laurels, Jack’s drive for entrepreneurship took him back to California, where he pioneered the revolutionary Rollerball inline skate concept, which he shepherded through patent registration and IPO. For many years, Jack and Beth lived bicoastal jetting back and forth across the country between New York and LA.

Despite Jack’s demanding profession, he consistently carved out time to indulge in his passions: delving into the pages of the numerous books lining his library shelves, immersing himself in the excitement of a college and professional football game, visiting the vast museums and concert halls of New York, and enjoying cherishing moments with his beloved family. Jack’s larger-than-life personality, infectious laughter, genuine kindness and unparalleled generosity are just a few reasons why he was so loved. He had a gift for storytelling and a knack for bringing joy to those around him. Whether it was a holiday celebration or a birthday gathering, Jack could be found amidst a bustling crowd of relatives – uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws – all gathered in his hometown. And there were plenty of occasions to celebrate!

In his later years, Jack retired with Beth to Palm Springs and then to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to be close to family. Jack remained steadfast in his Catholic beliefs until the very end. He maintained hope and was assured that when the time came, he would be reunited with his Savior. Jack's life was memorialized in a Requiem Mass at his home church of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d'Alene. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and his legacy will endure through the lives he touched, the innovations he pioneered, and the memories he created.

Please join us for a Memorial Mass celebrating Jack's life on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, the very parish and school where Jack grew up, he and Beth were married, and his family shared countless treasured moments. If you would like to watch the live stream of the memorial mass, please click here: https://olsorrows.org/livestr…

We invite all of Jack’s family and friends to also attend a Lunch Reception immediately following Mass at Pietro’s Restaurant in South City.

Please RSVP so that we can plan for an appropriate number attending here:  https://everloved.com/life-of…

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