Lawrence “Larry” E. Ford, age 77, a devoted husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of his family following a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Born on June 7th, 1949 in Chelsea, Massachusetts to Clifton and Carolyn Ford (Naguszweski), Lawrence spent his childhood in Watertown, where he developed the values of hard work, integrity, and service that guided him throughout his life. He attended Nichols College, where he studied business and played collegiate football. His life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Kathleen, on Cape Cod. Together, they built a loving partnership that led to 53 years of marriage and became the foundation of a close-knit family.
Lawrence and Kathleen (Murphy) made their home in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, where they raised their three children, Daniel, Ariana, and Brian. A proud patriot and dedicated leader, Lawrence served his country in the United States Army for 22 years, enlisting in the Army National Guard and Reserves, and deployed to Saudi Arabia, proudly serving in the Persian Gulf War. He rose to the rank of Major, earning the respect and admiration of those who served alongside him. Following his military career, Lawrence found continued success as the Vice President of an insurance sales company, where his strong work ethic and ability to connect with others made him a trusted colleague and friend.
In his spare time, Lawrence was involved in his community. He coached multiple Tewksbury youth basketball and baseball teams when his children were young, sharing his passion for sports with local youth athletes. He enjoyed watching his beloved Celtics and Patriots, spending time on Cape Cod with family, tending to his lawn, and relaxing with a cold Guinness in the company of his closest friends and relatives.
Above all else, Lawrence cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen; his loving children, Daniel and his wife Johanna, Brian and his wife Amanda, his daughter Ariana; and his four cherished grandchildren, Ian, Emma, Morgan, and Rory. He is also survived by his sister, Linda E. Ford, and sisters-in-law Janice Markunas and husband Bob Markunas (his best friend), Ellen Long and Maryann Adamek, brother-in-law Hartley Hawkes, as well as nieces and nephews.
His greatest joys in life were the time he shared with family and the love he found in watching his grandchildren grow.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.
A Mass will be held at St. Williams Church in Tewksbury on June 29th at 10:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.