JOHN K FORD

John Kenneth Ford, Sr., 82, of Oxford passed away peacefully on Saturday November 8, 2025 at UMass Memorial Hospital after a period of decline. John’s final days were spent in the warm presence of his dear family.

John leaves behind his devoted wife of 58 years, Frankie, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, faith, and family. He was the cherished father of John Ford, Jr. and his wife Lisa of Sutton, their children Liam, Sean, and Kylie; Joseph Ford and his wife Lauren of Paxton, his children Cameron, Caroline, Colin, and Connor; Jennifer Breslin and her husband Roger of Hopkinton, their children Jack, Kelsey, and Kaitlyn; and Erin McCann and her husband Sean of Spencer, and their children Megan, Shane, and Maeve. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Suellen Nigro (husband Kenneth) and Virginia Hogan (husband Jack), as well as many nieces and nephews. John was welcomed into eternal life by his parents, Lawrence and Margaret (McKiernan) Ford; his brother, Lawrence P. Ford; and his sisters, Margaret Markvenas and Elizabeth Reynolds.

A longtime Worcester resident, John grew up on Duxbury Road, where he formed many lasting friendships and cherished countless memories with his Lincoln Street crew. He was an active member of St. Bernard’s Church, where he discovered his love of music, singing in the choir and later performing in the music group, The Fabulons. In 1963, John graduated from North High School, where he excelled in mathematics. After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy. While stationed in San Diego, he met the love of his life, Frankie. Together, they returned to Worcester to raise their family. John worked for Mass Electric for more than thirty-five years, dedicating himself to providing for his family and setting an enduring example of hard work and determination.

John loved to spend time at the family vacation home in Myrtle Beach, SC, where he and Frankie discovered a love for golf and experienced good times with friends and family. With Frankie as his “travel agent”, John always found himself on a vacation. Together, they traveled widely, exploring destinations across the U.S. and Europe.

Of all the joys in John’s life, nothing compared to watching his children and grandchildren at their events. He beamed with pride at every game, recital, and performance- whether on the basketball court, football field, baseball or softball diamond, lacrosse field, or stage. John never missed an opportunity to cheer them on, often managing to attend multiple events in a single day.

Anyone who met John can attest to his kind heart, quick wit, and legendary sense of humor. His comebacks were as memorable as his warmth. Deeply devoted to his family, John was always ready to lend a helping hand. Wherever he went, people remarked on what a kind man John was. John left a lasting impression on everyone he met through his friendly nature, generous spirit, and captivating personality.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, November 14, at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 15, at St. Bernard’s Church, 228 Lincoln St., Worcester, followed by burial at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave., Paxton.