William "Billy" Patrick Ford

“Born American, Raised Irish.” Truer words were never spoken about William “Billy” Ford. Billy passed on Saturday, July 26, 2014, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. Billy was born on August 22, 1946 in Holyoke, Massachusetts to Thomas and Elizabeth (Dunne) Ford. A graduate of Holyoke Catholic High School, he excelled at football, basketball and turning the nun’s hair gray.

“Up Kerry” and “Up Mayo” were in the know expressions he used to pay tribute to the Irish counties of birth of his maternal and paternal grandparents. Billy was present at Woodstock – truth be told, he did spend a few years as a hippie, but was never happier than when rooting on his favorite sports teams: the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Norte Dame. Few were more knowledgeable or passionate about their support of these teams than Billy.

Although his “buddies from back home” were never far from his heart, Billy spent the last 40 years of his life on the west coast. He made life-long friends in Mesquite, Nevada, and over the past several years, in Ventura. Living in Ventura afforded Billy the opportunity to spend time with his beloved older siblings, Tommy and Maureen. Weather on the golf course together or cheering on their favorite teams, these three had a bond that could only be borne out of a tight-knit Irish Catholic upbringing marked by great tragedy and also great joy. Best of all though, living in Ventura enabled Billy to spend time with those he held closest to his heart; his niece, Shelia and grandniece and grandnephew, Regan and Griffin. He always called their pure, boundless love for their “Uncle Billy,” the greatest joy of his life.

Billy will be forever remembered for his wit and humor, his fighting Irish spirit, his love of family and friends, and his ability to bring a smile to anyone’s face, one of the many gifts that will be missed dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sheila Elizabeth Ford. He is survived by his brother, Thomas (Patricia) Ford; sister, Maureen Ford; niece, Dr. Sheila Ford (Dr. Fred Mading); grandniece, Regan Mading and grandnephew, Griffin Mading.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003.

A graveside service will take place on Thursday, July 31, 2014, 10:00 am, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura, with Father Alex Amayun officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.