Nathan Forker - Leso

Nathan Forker - Leso, affectionately known as "Daddy's Bub-Bubs" and "Mommy's Monkey," passed away on April 7, 2026, at his home. Born on October 30, 2019, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Nathan faced a courageous battle with a diffuse midline glioma, a formidable illness that took his life far too soon. Throughout his journey, Nathan demonstrated remarkable grace and love, inspiring all who knew him with his beautiful heart and indomitable spirit.

Nathan was a remarkable little boy whose joy for life was evident in his love for singing and dancing, as music lived deeply within his soul. He cherished dinosaurs and Spider-Man, often sharing his dream that one day he would be just like Spider-Man himself. Nathan also aspired to become a police officer, admiring Officer Charlie Kovaleski of the Mahanoy City Police Force as his hero. Though illness prevented Nathan from meeting Officer Kovaleski, whom he credited with saving his life by swiftly bringing him to the hospital after a troubling CAT scan, this connection remained a source of hope and admiration for him.

His laughter, radiant smile, and unwavering strength even amid hardship left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Nathan’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and boundless love. Above all, he wished for doctors and scientists to persist in their tireless efforts to find a cure for the devastating disease that claimed his young life.

Nathan is lovingly remembered by his devoted mother and father, Deborah Forker-Leso and Nicholas Forte Sr., as well as his birth parents, Alexis Fritz and Nathan Forker, who all held him dear. He was his daddy’s best friend and "Bub-bubs," and his mommy’s best friend and "Monkey." He is also survived by his grandparents Cathleen (G) and Jack Leso, his "Nanny," the special friend who knew him as "Choochie Bear" or Charlie, and extended family including grandparents Robert Forte Sr., Denise and Jack Graham, Colleen Coleman, as well as his brothers Nick Forte Jr. and his wife Amy with their son Nicholas Jr., Austin Forte and his wife Amber with their daughter Gracie, Bailey Forte and his wife Kourtney, Noah, Nico, and Nevan Forker. His sisters Alishza, Ashley, Aniston, and Mavis Forker, and numerous uncles – Rob Forte and his wife Harriet, Pat Leso and his wife Valerie, Rickey Crossley, Lucas Forker, Vince Forte, Gary Bakley, Harry Warren, Shaun Rickman, and Jeff Taylor – along with his aunts Diane Neiswender and her husband William, Shianne Aviles and her husband Emmanuel, Jennifer Forker and her husband Anthony, Patricia Robinson and her husband Rich, Denise Camarto and her husband Rich, Ayla Forker and her husband Josh, Leslie Leso and Sis Taylor, Kasa Brennan, Andrea Babarsky, Theresa Kaufman, Linda Peiffer, and Shanna Forker, Barbara Daugherty, Dina Quinn , ,all loved Nathan deeply.

Particularly close to Nathan were his niece and nephew, Aspyn and Orion Forker-Leso, and his cousins Harlee Dougherty, James Leso, and Alexis Leso, as well as his Uncle Tim Leso, who dedicated countless hours researching potential treatments to help Nathan. His aunts Kaylie Dougherty and her husband Nate, Uncle James Dougherty and his wife Krista, Aunt Colleen Marushak and her husband Rick, Aunt Lacey Coleman and her husband Dom, Felicia Forker and her husband John Michael, as well as uncles Edward Forker Jr., John Simon, and Joseph Kase, were beloved family members supporting Nathan and cherishing his memory. Nathan also had numerous other cousins and family members who loved him dearly.

Nathan received exceptional care from his hospice nurses Bill and Brook from Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, as well as dedicated doctors and nurses from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, Riley Children's Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and nurses from Aveanna Home Care in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who provided compassionate support throughout his illness.

He was preceded in death by his brother Derreck Forker-Leso; grandparents Victoria and Butch Slatick, Shirley Bakley and William Rulon, and Edward Forker Sr.; uncles Brandon Fritz, Todd Forker, Bruce Forker, Adam Forker, and Robert Babarsky; aunts Jessie, Jody, and Ginny Forker, and Tracey Rickman; sister-in-law Brittany Zelinsky; and niece Aadilyn Forker-Leso.

A viewing to honor Nathan’s memory will be held on Sunday April 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and again on Monday April 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., located at 300 West Center Street, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania.

Nathan Forker - Leso’s gentle spirit and courageous heart will forever remain in the memories of all who were blessed to know him. His light will continue to shine brightly in the love he shared and the inspiration he leaves behind.

We are deeply grateful and profoundly touched by the outpouring of love and generosity shown in Nathan’s name. Our hearts are filled with appreciation for the meaningful contributions made by the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, ThinkBIG for Pediatric Cancer, So So Strong Foundation, and Violet Foundation. Your kindness and support in honor of our sweet boy mean more to us than words can ever express.