Drafted by the Boston Braves
Published in the June 1, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Robert V. “Bob” Ford, 89, of Melrose, died at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on May 29, 2018.
Bob was born in Malden, raised in Medford and a graduate of Malden Catholic High School, Class of 1947. He attended Merrimack College and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Bob resided in Medford for many years and Melrose since 1968. He worked as an installer for New England Telephone Company for 36 years before his retirement in 1996.
Bob is a member of the Malden Catholic Hall of Fame in hockey, baseball and football and was drafted by the Boston Braves. He was a member of the Melrose Fish and Game Club for many years and the I.B.E.W. Local #2222. Bob enjoyed spending his winters in Hollywood, Fla. and spending time at his home in New Seabury.
He was the beloved husband of the late Mary A. (O’Brien) Ford for 55 years. Loving father of Brian Ford of New Seabury, Lawrence Ford and his wife Laurie of Calif. and Robert Ford of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Colleen, Kelly and Kennedy. Caring friend Kathy Brophy. Devoted brother of the late Sally Carrigan, Catherine Uncles, Walter Ford, Irene Murphy and Jackie Ford. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, May 31 from 4 – 8 p.m. Procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Friday, June 1 at 8:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s name to Malden Catholic High School, 99 Crystal St., Malden, MA 02148. For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com.
