Loving husband, father and grandfather
Mr. Donald T. Ford Sr., 69, of Watertown passed away Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, under the loving care of Vitas Hospice Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital after a brief battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Dana Daly Ford.
Mr. Ford was born March 2, 1946, in Waterbury, a son of the late David and Irene (Cantin) Ford. Don was a graduate of Woodbury High School and a proud member of the Army National Guard of Connecticut.
Don was involved in basketball since his early childhood. He was a member of the 1964 Woodbury High basketball team that played in the state finals, sponsored and played in both the Watertown and Woodbury men’s leagues, was the head basketball coach for Watertown High School and loved watching the UCONN Huskies.
Don worked in the pool service industry for more than 40 years and owned Pool Service by Ford, Inc. He had a wonderful work ethic and great relationship with many of his customers. He looked forward to his Monday nights at the Charcoal Chef, Thursday nights at Ro’s Restaurant, and winters in Vermont, where he would snowmobile with Dana. Don was a member of Highfield Country Club and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.
Above all, Don was a devoted family man and adored his children and grandchildren. In addition to Dana, his loving wife of 46 years, Don is survived by many loving family members: his two sons, Donald T. Ford Jr. of Middlebury and his wife, Mara, and Daniel T. Ford of Waterbury and his companion Marcela Valencia; and his grandchildren, Christopher, Alexander and Eliza Ford. In addition, Don is survived by his brother Robert Ford of Middlebury and his companion, Allison Stafford, and his brother David Ford of Waterbury and his wife, Pat. Don was predeceased by his sister, Janet Plotkin, and leaves his brother-in-law, Paul Plotkin of Florida. He also leaves his mother-in-law, Eileen Daly (formerly of Middlebury), and his sister-in-law, Debra Daly Ziegler of Middlebury and her husband, Scott, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Church at 1321 Whittemore Road in Middlebury. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home at 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury.
Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.
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