Richard Allen Ford, aka, “Richie Rich,”age 71, died peacefully on Sunday, February 13, 2022, after a brief stay at the Parsons Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Richard is survived by his sister, Barbara E. Ford of Old Orchard Beach, Maine; a half sister, Kathleen Moore of North Chesterfield, Virginia; a nephew, Leander Ford of Richmond, Virginia; and numerous cousins, including Michael Gomes of Providence, R.I. He was predeceased by his parents, Nathaniel H. and Norma (Mitchell) Ford; a maternal grandmother, Florence Mitchell; a maternal aunt, Catherine Mitchell; and a half brother and sister, Robert P Mitchell and Theresa A. Ford.

Richard was born in Worcester and lived here all his life. He worked in manufacturing, the docks in East Boston, and on construction out of state. He was especially in his element when working with teens at the East Boston Center, and then as program director at the Piedmont Youth Development Center in Worcester. He liked sports, especially football and basketball, and was a strategic Scrabble player. He was also very proud of his dreadlocks and will be missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 10-11 a.m. in Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.