George T. Ford

WORCESTER-George T. Ford, 73, of Worcester, a retired Worcester firefighter died Monday, November 20, 2006 at Umass Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He leaves his former wife Mary Ann (Tjellander) Ford of Auburn; a daughter, Maurie Ann Ford and her long-time partner, Thomas G. King of Worcester with whom he resided, two sons, Michael G. Ford of Worcester and John G. Ford of Webster; Sister-in-law Nancy Johnson and her husband Paul of Worcester; nieces Kim Callinan and Tara Kaminski, both of Worcester and his great niece Emma Rose Kaminski. He was predeceased by his sister Elaine C. Farragher and his brother Francis (Don) Ford. His step mother Bertha M. Ford died in 2001.

He was born in Worcester, the son of retired Worcester police captain George J. Ford and Catherine C. (Gilchrist) Ford. He graduated from Worcester Boy's Trade High School in 1952. Mr. Ford was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War serving three years in Tokyo, Japan.

Mr. Ford was a firefighter with the Worcester Fire Department serving 26 years with Ladder 6 in the Greendale section of Worcester. Previously he was a bus driver with the Worcester Bus Company. He also worked for many years with the C.K. Smith Oil Company.

He was a beloved father and friend to his family. He was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Red Sox and Patriots, loved card playing with friends and was renowned amongst family and friends for his love of music. As a younger man, he performed in numerous shows as a member of "The Four Tradesman." Mr. Ford was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Auburn for many years. He was a member of Local 1009, International Association of Firefighters, the Worcester Fireman's Relief Association, Worcester Retired Police and Firefighters Association, and a member of American Legion Post 435, Providence St., Worcester.

The funeral will be held Saturday, November 25 from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. with a Mass at 12:00 PM in St. Joseph's Church, 189 Oxford Street, Auburn. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Visiting hours are Friday, November 24 from 5-8 PM in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to The Leary Firefighters Foundation, 594 Broadway Suite %23409 New York, NY 10012. For directions and online condolence book please visit www.callahanfay.com