John J. Ford "Fordy"

April 20, 1954 - May 07, 2024

...
Text:

Obituary for John J. Ford "Fordy"

Quincy – John J. “Fordy” Ford, age 70, a lifelong Quincy resident, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long battle with cancer.

John was born in Quincy, to the late George L. and Mary A. (Costigan) Ford. Raised and educated in Quincy, he was a graduate of Quincy High School, Class of 1973, a lover of all sports, where he especially excelled in football.

Working alongside his father and uncle, John was employed as a glazier for the Glaziers and Glassworkers Local 1044 for thirty-five years, retiring eleven years ago.

John was a volunteer and coached the Quincy Point Panthers in Quincy Youth Football for sixteen years. In 2022, he was awarded the Pigskin Gala Football Man of the Year.

A motorcycle enthusiast, Fordy enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson alongside his daughter, and watching the Red Sox with his son. He was an avid golfer and cherished his Thursday Night Golf League “Fake It Through Fridays.” John fondly remembered his favorite golf trip to Pebble Beach with his brothers.

Most of all, John was well-known for his lifelong passion and the lasting friendships made while helping others as the founder and president of the South Shore Children’s Fund for the past forty years. For many years, John organized charitable events, such as JT’s Tee Off Tournament and JT’s Thunder Motorcycle Run, named after his son, John Thomas, who is mentally and physically challenged. Proceeds from the tournament and run benefited local organizations, charities, schools, and individual children. John cherished playing the part of Santa’s helper for the MA Dept of Children & Family Services’ holiday party for many years.

Beloved husband for forty-five years of Deborah L. “Debby” (Leahy) Ford.

Devoted father of JoAnna E. Ford and John Thomas “JT” Ford, both of Quincy.

One of six siblings, Fordy was the loving brother of Patricia Boucher and her husband John, George Ford and his wife Tricia, all of Weymouth, Thomas Ford and his wife Jane of Quincy, Mary Ford-Clark and her husband James, and Michael Ford and his wife Kim, all of Braintree. A loving brother-in-law to the late James Leahy and his surviving wife Sharon of Watsonville, Calif., and Robert and Patti Leahy of Wrentham. Best friend of Michael McLean of Hanover.

John is also survived by many nieces, nephews, their families, and countless friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Joseph’s Church, 550 Washington Street, Quincy, on Tuesday, May 14, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting Hours will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, East Milton, on Monday, May 13, from 4 – 7 p.m. Interment Pine Hill Cemetery, West Quincy.

For those who wish, donations in John’s memory may be made to John T. Ford 2017 Supplemental Needs Trust, c/o 68 Baxter Avenue, Quincy, MA 02169.

Services

13 May

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
14 May

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Saint Joseph Church 550 Washington Street Quincy, MA 02169 Get Directions »
14 May

Interment

11:00 AM

Pine Hill Cemetery 815 Willard Street Quincy, MA 02169 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • May 13, 2024

    Joan Mullare

    Ken and I are sad to know pf John's passing. He was a great man with a big heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and always gave his time to our kids at Friendship Home, who benefited greatly from his devotion. He even created a motorcycle run to benefit Friendship Home. Joan Mullare

  • May 13, 2024

    Pam Dougherty

    John was one of the greatest human beings I've known. I was truly blessed to have become friends with him and his family. I'll never forget how genuine and loved he made my daughter, who is also special needs feel because she didn't have a dad of her own. It's very hard to really express the pain of losing such a friend. My prayers will always be with Debby, JT, and Joanna, because the love this family shared is so strong and it's not going to be easy. John, Kim and I will never forget you, rest in peace my dear friend. Pam and Kimmy

  • May 11, 2024

    Jen Adams

    A wonderful father, husband, friend and advocate- all words to describe this amazing man. The world will be missing an important piece of the puzzle that makes up what a good human being is. Thank you John for tirelessly advocating for your son JT and all of his friends. We will all miss you dearly. Sending love to the Ford family.

  • May 11, 2024

    Donal Magrane

    I used to help John when he would bring his truck in for service at quirk ford about 8 years ago. One of the nicest person I ever met. As soon as we started talking we hit it off right away. We would talk about what he needed done on his truck then we started talking about life. He loved his family and golf. I am a big golfer myself so we talked for awhile. The next time he came in to see me he brought me a jacket from JT's golf tournament. He proceeded to tell me all about the tournament. He was really a true family man and he was so grateful for the service I gave him. Just a nice man. He made a big impression in my life and I will never forget him. John. Rest in peace🙏🙏🙏🙏 Ps. I still have the jacket he gave me. Donal Magrane Quincy,MA

  • May 10, 2024

    Debbie Mastro

    I am so sorry Debbie to hear of John's passing. He was truly a gentleman and a heart full of happiness and helpfulness to people will be in my prayers.

  • May 09, 2024

    Paul Fimian

    Just heard about John's passing....been a long time since I have seen John, Debby and the "kids". Want you to know that John and the Ford family are in my thoughts and prayers. Offering much love and peace to the Ford Family. Paul Fimian

  • May 09, 2024

    Richard Abromowicz

    To my dear friend Johnny..how I remeber the Triple A Braves of 1966 where George and my Mother would cheer us on as the best pitcher and catcher....how I remember you helping with my mom's casket when I need support so bad....John may you rest in eternal peace with our lord and just be assured that if I can be of any help to your family....I shall be there to help...rest in peace. To my dear friend debby...my sincere condolences to you, Joanna and JT......may each day become brighter for you all !

  • May 09, 2024

    Barbara Hajjar-Niles

    Dear Debbie, My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beloved husband, John. May he have eternal rest and may the love and support of family and friends help guide you and your children through this sad and difficult time. With Deepest Sympathy, Barbara Hajjar-Niles

  • May 09, 2024

    Stephen Blumberg

    Only by happenstance did I see and read John's obituary. I don't know him or his family. After reading his obituary,my comment is what a gem of a human being he was during his life.I can only wish that he could have been cloned,as our world needs many more like John.My deepest sympathies to his entire family and God Bless this example of God's perfect ideas of a human being with the biggest heart.My heart aches for all of you...Stephen B