John F. Ford of Windham, NH died Saturday at Mass General Hospital in Boston, MA after a brief illness. He was dutifully cared for by the nurses at Mass General. He was 77 years old.
He had resided in Windham for the past 18 years, formerly of North Andover, MA and New York.
He was born in Lawrence, MA where he grew up and was educated, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1944 later graduating from Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
John was honorably discharged from the US Navy where he served during World War II. He then entered into duty with the FBI and was transferred to the US Department of State, Office of Security (now the Diplomatic Security) as a special agent. His last assignment was as Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office and he retired in 1986. He provided protective security to a number of dignitaries from countries abroad who were attending UN Missions. Among some notables were Queen Juliana (Netherlands), Princess Beatrix (now Queen of the Netherlands), Prince Charles (England), Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and the consulates in Boston.
John was a member of St. Matthew’s Church in Windham, NH where he served as an usher. He was a former member of the NY Athletic Club in New York City and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Syracuse, NY. He was a member of the Hamblet YMCA Club of Lawrence, MA.
He was predeceased by his parents Patrick F. and Nona (O’Brien) Ford, brother William J. Ford, brother-in-law Paul A. Hopkins and nephew Thomas Hopkins.
Survived by:Wife: Sophia K. Ford of Windham, NH
3 sisters: Mrs. Paul A. (Patricia) Hopkins of Andover, MA Mrs. Robert B. (Naureen) Roy of Salem, NH Mrs. Raymond G. (Bernadine) Matton of Methuen, MA
7 nieces and nephews, 23 grandnieces and nephews
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Wednesday at 11:30 AM at St. Matthew’s Church in Windham, NH. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lawrence, MA.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 3-8 at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH.
Memorial contributions may be made to: St Matthew Building Fund, 2 Searles Rd, Windham, NH or to a charity of ones choice.