He was born on January 18, 1933 in Greenwich, CT, son of the late Oliver W. Ford, Sr., and Mary (Hagymasi) Ford. He grew up in Old Greenwich, CT, and graduated from Greenwich High School in 1951 and Tri-State (now Trine) University in Angola, IN, in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He worked in New York as an internal auditor before joining the United States Army Finance Corps stationed in Fort Benning, GA. He worked as a salesman for Fuller Brush, store manager of Robert Hall Clothes, as business manager of Becket Academy, and worked for many years at Moodus Lumber and Middletown Builder’s Supply before becoming a part-time baker at Noel’s Market in Colchester, CT, in his retirement.
He was an active member of the Civitan Club in Middletown, CT, a proud father and foster father to several children, served on the vestry at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in East Haddam, CT, served on the board and as a deacon at Christ Community Church in East Haddam, CT, and was also involved with The Chapel in Ormond Beach, FL.
His proudest family moments were building television sets from kits, buying his first home in Middletown, CT, having his four children all graduate from college, his daughter Bonnie earning three letters in three different high school sports, his first marriage lasting 28 years to Gayle (Engborg) Clayton, who predeceased him in 2013, and his second marriage of 32 years to Charlene (Davis) Ford, who predeceased him in 2019.
He is survived by his brother Robert (Hilda) Ford of Uncasville, CT, his daughter Karen Ford of East Haddam, CT, sons Jonathan Ford and Douglas Ford, both of Manchester, CT, stepdaughter Terry (Michael) Perry of Marion, CT, stepson John (Carol) Witherly of Portland, CT, and several grandchildren. He was predeceased by sister Marilyn Hall in 2015, and daughter Bonnie Sue Ford in 2011. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Bison.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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