Joseph Forshaw IV
Joseph Forshaw IV, 73, died unexpectedly on November 11, 2025. He had retired in 2016 after serving for 30 years as president of Forshaw of St. Louis, Inc., a family fireplace and patio retail and wholesale to the trade business founded in St. Louis in 1871.
Mr. Forshaw was a 1970 graduate of St. Louis University High School and earned bachelor’s and law degrees from Saint Louis University. He served on the board of directors of the Show-Me Institute, a Missouri-based think tank promoting market-based solutions and good government, and also served as treasurer and chairman of its board for a number of years.
Born January 10, 1952 to Elizabeth “Peppy” and Joseph Forshaw III, Mr. Forshaw was a tall and fit man, voted “Best Legs” in his law school class, ready with witticisms and whimsy, a voracious and intellectually curious reader who closely followed current events, and a fan of 1960s rock music. For decades he provided his familiar voice-overs for his business’s radio and television commercials in the St. Louis metro area.
He was a devoted husband for 44 years to Liza (Schlafly) Forshaw and father to Sr. Maria Battista, O.C.D. of the Carmel of St. Joseph monastery in Ladue, Juliet Forshaw of Oswego, NY, and J. Alexander (Ana) Forshaw of New York, NY. His greatest joy in his final years was his little grandson, Aidan Forshaw.
Mr. Forshaw is survived by his mother, his wife, his brother and longtime valued business partner Rick (Michele) Forshaw, his sisters, Christine (John) O’Shaughnessy and Ellen (Darryl) Ross, his three children and grandson, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Another brother, Jonathan Forshaw, preceded him in death.
Services: Visitation and funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 22 at the Carmelite Chapel, 9150 Clayton Road in Ladue. Visitation at 9 a.m. with the Mass to follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Carmel of St. Joseph, 9150 Clayton Road, Ladue, MO 63124 or to the Show-Me Institute, P.O. Box 16024, St. Louis, MO 63105 would be appreciated.
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Tom Paradise says
November 21, 2025 at 7:40 amEver since our freshman year at SLUH, Joe was one of the most intellectually curious men I have known. He read broadly and he loved to discuss everything from the latest science to history and politics. He always had a new good book or favorite writer to recommend. Joe was a thoughtful and articulate advocate for conservative principles and traditional values. After I moved to California fifty years ago, I was fortunate to continue to see Joe when I came back to St. Louis. Joe was a kind and dear friend to me and to so many people. I will miss him.
Sally and Chris Dowling says
November 19, 2025 at 10:07 pmJoe was truly the epitome of a gentleman. Sally and I were fortunate to know him from his early grade school years, and even then his kindness and character shone through. One of the greatest compliments I can offer is how closely he reflected the qualities of his wonderful father. Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Steve Reznick says
November 17, 2025 at 12:20 pmA kind classmate at St. Louis University High School, generous, caring, thoughtful and witty. Also, a bastion of conservative values in a troubled and confusing world. Strong supporter of Right to Life, strong families, personal responsibility, hard work and traditional education. Will miss his encouragement but look forward to seeing him in Heaven someday, trusting in a merciful Lord and Savior. I know that Joe will be there.
Jim Whalen says
November 16, 2025 at 6:27 pmJoe was a classmate of mine at the U High- proud class of 1970. He was a man for others. Kind, thoughtful and intelligent. I always enjoyed our conversations.
May he rest in peace.
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Matthew Scuito says
November 16, 2025 at 9:17 amWhat a loss to so many: a good family man, businessman, friend and SLUH70 classmate. Earlier this year Joe and I took a walk around his neighborhood and talked of high school and life and family. Joe was a very intelligent, thoughtful caring man. He told me the story about meeting and courting Liza. He spoke lovingly of his wife and children. He spoke of his daughter who entered the Carmelite Monastery and his grandson Aidan–especially when Aidan would come and stay with Liza and Joe for an extended visit. May he rest in peace.