Tom Ford

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Tom Ford, longtime resident of Greencastle, passed away on Monday, Feb. 11 with Grace, his loving wife of 62 years, at his side.

Tom was an active community member, contributing his time and energy to multiple charities, from soup kitchens to church activities.

He was an active member of Kiwanis, and engaged in local politics. Tom was a former private investigator to his close friend, Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter.

Tom managed a variety of career positions. In his early years he owned his own factory and invented the rubber tip for the bobby pin. He owned and managed a sign company.

He was a project engineer for United Engineers and the position took him and his family to several states across the country.

In retirement Tom took on a profitable hobby where he and Grace established their own real estate company and spent many years buying and restoring homes.

Tom grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Irish immigrants. He was the oldest brother of four, twins Mary Lategano, Rita Wheatley and Peter Ford.

Tom was proud of his Irish heritage and spent many years in tough neighborhoods and learned from his experiences. As a young adult Tom was a Golden Gloves boxer competing and winning in the quarterfinals.

He was active in community theater and a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He performed on screen in "Empire of the Ants" with Joan Collins.

Tom and his wife, Grace, lived 62 of their lives with each other, raised five children, Deborah, Dianne, Lauretta, Tom and Erin and 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He loved his family, supported their efforts and never wanted to be a burden to anyone. He is the family patriarch and community leader who will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorial services will be conducted at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, Greencastle, with Rev. Dr. P.T. Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Kiwanis Club of Greencastle or St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.Bittlesandhurt.com.