Joseph M. Ford

Joseph M. Ford passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, surrounded by those he loved most, with his beloved wife, Florence, and daughters, Jolene and Dawn, by his side.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Florence Ford; his devoted daughters, Jolene LaChance and Dawn Ford; his grandchildren, Christopher LaChance, Michael LaChance, Alex LaChance, and Zachary Garland; and his sister, Nancy Clark. He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and treasured friends gathered throughout a lifetime.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Nora T. Walsh and Andrew J. Ford; in-laws Pat and Mary Carusone, his brother, John Ford; and his sister, Elizabeth Ford.

Joe will be remembered by those who knew him as a man who was rarely without a smile. Friendly by nature, he had a way of connecting with people and enjoyed friendships that lasted throughout the years. But as much as Joe valued his friends, family held a special place in his heart. He treasured time spent together and especially enjoyed the family gatherings that brought everyone into one place.

Joe was a dedicated employee of the Town of Colonie Highway Department, where he worked from 1978 until his retirement in 2012. During his 34 years of service, he built many friendships and took pride in his work and the community he served.

Staying active was an important part of Joe's life. He loved working out and had a particular passion for boxing. His boxing bag still hangs in his garage—a fitting reminder of something he enjoyed for so many years.

Joe also loved to dance and enjoyed traveling with Florence. Together, they experienced new places, shared adventures, and created memories along the way.

Whether he was working out, dancing, traveling, spending time with friends, or simply enjoying another family gathering, Joe embraced the people and experiences that filled his life.

There is a poem that speaks of “the dash”—the small line between the date we are born and the date we leave this world. Though it may be only a simple mark, that dash represents an entire lifetime: the people we loved, the lives we touched, the laughter we shared, and the memories we leave behind.

Joe lived his dash well.

His dash was filled with 61 years of marriage to Florence, the love of his daughters and grandchildren, family gatherings, lifelong friendships, 34 years serving his community, traveling, dancing, boxing, laughter, and that ever-present smile. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him dearly.

Joe will be deeply missed by Florence, his daughters, grandchildren, sister, extended family, longtime friends, and the many people fortunate enough to have known him. His smile, his love of life, and the memories he created will live on in all those whose lives he touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joe's family on Wednesday October 14, 2026, from 10am to 11am at St.Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211, to be followed by a funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Peter’s Community Hospice or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Joe’s memory.