Obituary of Thomas E. Ford, Jr.

Thomas E. Ford, age 84, a resident of Leonia since 1964, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 25, 2015. Mr. Ford was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 9, 1931. Mr. Ford was a graduate of Buffalo State College and received a Master's Degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. From 1954-56 he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, followed by a forty year career as an educational administrator. Mr. Ford spent six years in international education, including a two year stint in Kabul, Afghanistan with a Teachers College, Columbia University/U.S. Aid team of educators at the Institute of Education and Kabul University. For seventeen years he was associated with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in several capacities. As a Program Officer he was responsible for project developments in a number of areas including increasing minority enrollment in engineering education. Mr. Ford assisted in the development of a marine education program under the Dean at Kingsborough Community College, The City University of New York from 1984 until his retirement in 1996. One of Tom's proudest achievements was being elected Leonia's first Democratic mayor (1972-1975) on record. The Press Journal editorial of January 1976 stated: "Mayor Ford leaves a record as a man of action who did not fear changes; a colorful, forceful and outspoken leader who knew how to get things done. Under his leadership, municipal government took a greater part in bringing about local changes needed to keep abreast of the times. Many viewed Mayor Ford's progressive programs with some reservation, as a possible threat to the charming residential character of the community. Many of the programs instituted under his tutorship have brought Leonia better services; tenants found support in their elected officials, senior citizens found a champion for their cause in their mayor; those concerned with the environment found a sympathetic listener and all Leonians benefited from Mayor Ford's expertise and understanding. Hopefully his work will be continued and Leonia will always retain its uniqueness and its charm." Beyond his mayoral tenure he was active in a variety of community endeavors for more than fifteen years, including Chairman of the Board of Adjustment from 1978 to 1983. He is survived by his wife Diane of 59 years and daughters Christine Ford of Ramsey, Caryn Coyle of Dumont and Kimberly O'Brien of Leonia and his five grandchildren, Bradford, Jillian, Ryan, Sean and Jack. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oelhaf House/Presbyterian Church, PO Box 448, Leonia, NJ 07605. The family will receive their friends Wednesday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Frank A. Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home, 327 Main Street, Fort Lee (across from the public library). Service Thursday at 10:30 AM. For information call (201) 944-0100 or www.frankpatti.com