Edward J. Ford

Edward J. Ford, 91 a lifetime resident of Worcester, died peacefully Monday, February 13, 2012 in UMASS Medical Center, with his family by his side. His wife of 56 years, Mary I. (O'Leary) Ford passed on August 25, 2006. He is survived by his two sons, Edward J. Ford, Jr. and his wife Catherine of Worcester and Kevin F. Ford and his companion Sherry Rano of Worcester; his daughter, Eileen Ford Parlato and her husband Raymond of Danielson, CT; a brother, Robert P. Ford and his wife Shirley of Worcester; his three grandchildren, Lauren and Colin Parlato and Karen Johnson; two great grandchildren, Tyler and Trevor; two sisters in-law, Margaret (Harmon) Ford and Dorothy (Shepard) O'Leary and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Francis J. Ford and John A. Ford. Edward was the son of the late Francis J. & Mary (Shea) Ford and was born in Worcester on December 20, 1920. He was a 1940 graduate of Commerce High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country during World War II, aboard the U.S.S. Alcyone (AKA-7) from 1941 to 1945. Edward participated in the invasions of Sicily, Gilbert Islands, Kwajalen Atoll and the Philippines Liberation. Edward joined the Worcester Fire Department in 1950, retiring in 1966 having attained the rank of Lieutenant. After his retirement he worked for the Worcester Art Museum from 1967 to 1984, retiring as the Assistant Chief of Security. Edward's funeral will be held Friday, February 17th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Stephen Church, 357 Grafton Street. Burial will follow in Saint John's Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Thursday, February 16th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Edward by a way of a memorial tribute are kindly asked to consider the Veterans Inc.69 Grove Street Worcester, MA 01605. To share your thoughts and memories of Edward, please visit his personal guestbook at: mercadantefuneral.com The Ford family is forever grateful for the support, kindness and care provided to our dad by Dr. Elizabeth Murphy and Dr. Theo Meyer of UMass Hospital as well as the staff of the VA Clinic in both Worcester and the Boston Area VA Hospitals.