Robert P. Ford

Robert P. Ford, passed away after a lengthy illness on December 4, 2022 surrounded by his loving wife of 73 years, Shirley R. (Finkle), and his devoted children. He was born in Worcester on July 9, 1925, the fourth son of Francis J. and Mary J. (Shea) Ford, who, along with his three brothers, Francis J., Edward J. and John A. Ford, predeceased him. He was the proud father of Lois M. (John) Batbouta, Michael P. (Tony DiStefano), Elizabeth A. (Michael, deceased) Collins and Pamela R. Green; beloved grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of 23; many dear nieces, nephews and friends.

Mr. Ford graduated from Commerce High School in 1943 and from Becker Business College in 1948. He retired in 1988 as an accounting supervisor with the National GRID after 41 years of service. He served his country in the US Navy during WWII from 1943-1946 and was awarded two battle stars for his participation in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa battle campaigns.

Bob was an avid tennis player and member of the Worcester Tennis Club and the Greendale YMCA, a former member of “Old Ironsides” American Legion Post #423 and Knights of Columbus, and a long-time communicant of St. Joan of Arc Church, where he was collector, captain and chair of the Advanced Gifts phase for many years on the annual Bishop’s Fund Campaigns, also serving on the Parish Council and singing in the choir. After his retirement, Bob volunteered for many years at the Oakdale Rehab and Nursing Home, and received the Certificate of Achievement Award by the Mass. Federation of Nursing Homes for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions for his volunteer work. His love of big band era music was ever-present, and he serenaded generations in his mother’s retirement community, as well as his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob always had a good word for everyone, with a song in his heart and on his lips, and a hearty sense of humor, and he will be deeply missed by all of us who loved him dearly.

Visiting hours are on Thursday, December 8,  from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with a Funeral Mass at Saint Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln St. on Friday, December 9, at 10 a.m., after which burial will take place at Saint John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge St., Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Joan of Arc Church Building Fund.

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