William Paul Ford, Jr. of Barnstable and Naples, FL, died suddenly at his home in Naples on April 18th, 2019 at the age of 74. He graduated high school from Our Lady's Help of Christians, and earned a BA in Marketing from Boston College in 1967. After serving proudly in Vietnam with the Army's 513th Maintenance Battalion, Bill spent 18 years as an executive with International Data Corporation, and subsequently founded and led BRG, a division of Cahner's Publishing Company for 10 years.
Bill is survived by his wife of fifty years, Kathleen (Flanigan), and his children, William (Karen) of Hopkinton, Adam (Julie) of Norfolk, and Erin Haight (Seth) of Delhi, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Aine, Liam, Alex, Grace, Owen, Charlie, Ned, and Jack, and his siblings: Barry of Barnstable, and Martha Combs (Jim) of Wallingford, PA. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William and Winifred.
A loyal fan and legacy BC alum, Bill was a well-known fixture at BC football games and tailgates. He made a hobby of analyzing BC teams, players, and coaches; his love for the Eagles was unwavering.
In 2012, after raising their family in Medfield, Kathy and Bill followed her career to Germany for three years, where they built upon their love of travel and immersed themselves in local cultures throughout Europe. Retired to Cape Cod permanently in 2015, Bill was able to spend more time on his beloved clam flats of Barnstable Harbor joyfully providing littlenecks and steamers to the family larder. When not in his skiff, he could be found on the Cummaquid Golf Course with his golfing buddies. Bill and Kathy followed the sun to Naples, FL where they enjoyed the last two winters hosting friends and family.
Bill loved and was loved by all who knew him; he was a strong, generous and fun-loving man who put family first. He saw the good in everyone and extracted every bit of joy that life presented. He was proud and passionate about his children and grandchildren, regaling all who would listen. Though dignified and proud, he never took himself too seriously, which opened the door to hilarious foibles. “Big Bill” was magnetic; he was outgoing and optimistic, and he made everyone feel included in his circle.
He truly lived his guiding principle: DO THE RIGHT THING.
Visiting Hours in the Eaton and Mackay Funeral Home, 465 Centre St., NEWTON CORNER, on Thursday, April 25th from 4-7 PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Ignatius Church, 28 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, on Friday, April 26th at 10 AM. The family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boston College Veterans Alumni Network (BCVAN), attn: Jean Chisser, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.
