Robert J. Ford, affectionately known as Bob to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, at the age of 100 in Rhinebeck. Born in Shandaken on January 30, 1925 to Mildred Simmons and James S. Ford, Bob was a lifelong resident of the Catskills. He was a cherished member of the community, known for his unwavering work ethic, love for the outdoors, and devotion to his family.
Bob grew up in Shandaken and graduated from Fleishchmanns High School in 1943. An honorably discharged World War II veteran, Bob served his country with distinction in the 1261st Engineering Division, earning the American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. After his military service, Bob went to work in his father’s garage and soon afterward met the love of his life, Marilyn Benett. They were married in 1948 and lived initially in Marilyn’s summer home in Oliverea, where daughter Deborah was born. After a brief stint as a bench work machinist, Bob built a reputation as a highly skilled carpenter with the Local 265 Carpenters and Joiners of America, where he worked for decades. His craftsmanship and dedication to his trade were evident in every project he undertook. He built a house for each of his children as well as their family home in Mt. Tremper. Bob was also an excellent mechanic who always had a project or three to work on.
Bob's interests were as varied as they were passionate. He relished the beauty of nature and spent much of his time outdoors. Bob enjoyed hiking, camping, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, and gardening. He was well on his way to hiking all of the Catskill Mountain high peaks until arthritis in his knees cut that goal short. An avid downhill skier, he continued to hit the slopes well into his eighties, showcasing his adventurous spirit and zest for life. His green thumb was legendary, especially when it came to growing award-winning Beefsteak tomatoes. He was always sharing his best crop with friends and family. Every fall he would make his locally famous sauerkraut for everyone.
Quite late in life Bob pursued one last lifielong desire, learning to fly. At 89 Bob took flight lessons. He never desired to fly solo, but did enjoy the gentle joking of his instructor on some of those less than perfect landings.
Throughout his life and above all, Bob loved his wife and children. He set an incredible example of kindness and caring in a life so well-lived. He will be missed by so many.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife Marilyn Bennett Ford in 2008, his daughter Deborah Park in 2022, his brother Sid Ford, and brother-in-law Floyd Bennett. He is survived by his sons, Mark (wife, Jody) Ford, Wayne (wife, Julie ) Ford, and son-in-law Richard Park. Bob's legacy continues through his five grandchildren, Matthew and Harley Park, Jennifer (Park) Haaland, Christopher Ford, and Marisa Ford, as well as his two great-grandchildren, Megan and Samuel Haalan
A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m. at the E.B. Gormley Funeral Home, 87 Main Street in Phoenicia. Burial will military honors will take place at the Hudler Cemetery, Route 28 in Mt. Tremper. A light lunch reception will follow at the Mt. Tremper Fire Hall. Friends and family will be received on Friday November 7 from 3-6 p.m. at the E.B. Gormley Funeral Home. You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence on Bob’s Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice or to the Phoenicia UMC Food Pantry, 29 Church Street, Phoenicia, New York 12464.
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