Thomas George Ford, 84, passed away on December 31, 2018, at his home in Claremont. He was born on August 28, 1934 in Hartford, CT, the son of Thomas A. and Florence (Martyn) Ford.
He graduated from Hall High School in West Hartford, CT, and then joined the United States Army in 1954 to 1956. He was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division 503rd Regiment spending one year in Germany. He went on to attend the National Fire Academy and also became an EMT.
He started his firefighting career in 1957 as a firefighter in the town of West Hartford. In 1982, he retired from West Hartford as the Deputy Chief and took a job as the Fire Chief in Claremont, he retired as the Claremont Fire Chief in 1997. He was also an Interim City Manager for Claremont.
He was past president of the New Hampshire Fire Chiefs Association, past member of the International Fire Chiefs Association, past president of the Kiwanis Club of Claremont, past volunteer of the American Red Cross, 2007 employee of the year for Community Alliance of Human Services, and he was a current member of the American Legion.
He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, watching football and NCAA basketball. He also enjoyed vacationing in Kennebunkport, ME.
His family includes his wife, Maryjane (O’Leary) Ford whom he married on May 4, 1957; children, Thomas P. Ford of Coventry, CT, Jacqueline M. Ford of Claremont, NH; grandchildren, Michael T. Ford of FL, Jonathan C. Marro, of NY, Corey P. Marro, of VA, Jessica E. Marro, of NH, Chelsea M. Melna of NH; great grandchild, Julius Yuri Antonnio Marro-Cashman; sister, Grace Sinclair of Winsted, CT; sister-in-law, Cathy O’Leary Carey and her husband, John; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and extended family, Bonnie Wyand and Kaleb Tarczewski.
He was predeceased by his nephew, Thomas W. Sinclair, S/Sgt. Army.
Visiting hours will be held at Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont on Thursday, January 3rd from 5 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Church on Friday morning at 11 AM with Very Rev. Shawn Therrien VG officiating. A reception will follow at the American Legion on Broad Street in Claremont, NH. Burial will be held privately.
Any area firefighters wanting to attend are asked to meet at the Claremont Fire Station at 5 o’clock for a 5:30 walk through.
A special thank you to Hospice and Crystal Hawkins who helped care for dad.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Claremont Firefighters Association, 100 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743.
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