It is with endless sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas J. Ford, Jr., on July 25, 2024 at the age of 51. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Carol A. Ford-Mullins and the late Thomas J. Ford, Sr., and raised on Grafton Hill. After graduating from Holy Name High School in Worcester, he attended the University of New Hampshire, where he studied to become an Arborist and received a Bachelor’s degree. Tom worked for Davey Tree Company for nearly 30 years, starting out as a tree climber and working his way up to be one of their top managers in sales. He was given multiple awards by the International Society of Arboriculture, among others and taught many young workers how to safely climb trees. He was a loyal and hardworking employee and a generous and kind man who was respected by his colleagues. His close group of friends from Grafton Hill describe him as “a quiet and reserved guy who made others feel welcome. We always joked that he was the leader of our pack, like Chris Chambers in the movie Stand By Me.”
Tom was an avid fly fisherman who lived in the Casco Bay region for 28 years. He loved boating and being on the water. He could often be found aboard "Tireless", The Grady White that was a gift from his very close friend, Tim Haley, when he passed in 2012. Tom vowed to keep the boat in service and on the water in honor of Timmy.
To further his knowledge in boating and navigation, Tom earned his Coast Guard Captains license. He loved Maine but his dream was to retire in Panama and do nothing but fish.
Tom is survived by his loving mother Carol A. Ford-Mullins and stepfather Ray Mullins of Webster, MA; his sister Linda Ford of Providence, RI; his brother John Ford and partner Jes Karg of Scarborough, ME; his niece and nephew - Abbie and Gus Ford; his favorite Auntie Lulu; his lifelong friend Sean Brosnihan, as well as so many other friends and family. He will leave an unfathomable absence in all of our lives.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 14th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CMC Foundation for Change, 519 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018 or www.cmcffc.org or the Arbor Day Foundation 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 or www.arborday.org.