Jay Albert Ford

Jay Albert Ford, 79, Passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday evening, February 23, 2023. He entered Heaven in the same way that he lived his entire life, surrounded by family and holding the hand of the love of his life, Vivian.

Jay was born to Jay Elmer and Ruth Ford in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had a happy childhood. Adventurous from the start, he loved to tell the stories of how he swam in the dirty city rivers, with the barges and cotton mouths, all day long. He later became a lifeguard at the local YMCA, and his love for swimming and water earned him an alternate position for the USA swim team in the 1964 Olympics. Family and Faith were always a most important part of his life. His extended family was primarily in the Pittsburgh area and spent much time together. He never lost the love of family get togethers and making memories.

He was introduced to his first, and only love, by his cousin Sarah at a pool party when he was 16 years old. Jay joined the Army, and Vivian completed nursing school as they worked toward a life together. They married in 1964 and began to grow their family. They had their first child, Kathryn, in Pittsburgh, in the same hospital that they were both born in. Shortly after, the Army led them to 3 years in Japan, where their second child, Jay, was born. They came back to the US where a career transition moved Jay from the Army to the National Security Agency. The family moved to Yorkshire, England for 5 years, where their youngest daughter, Amy, was born. In 1975 NSA moved the family to Bowie, Maryland. Jay and Vivian were active in their local and church communities, and taught their children the same. Jay and Vivian were the Junior Youth Group leaders for several years, loving and laughing with the teens at Mount Oak Methodist Church. Jay was a Sunday School teacher for the 4 and 5 year old children for many years. He took great pride in teaching them about 2 commandments in particular, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart”, and “Honor your Father and Mother”. During these years, they were blessed with a fourth child, Laura, who came to the family as a foster child in 1982 and became a forever daughter, through adoption in 1984. The family continued to grow as the grandchildren continued to arrive. Jay completed his career of 8 years in the Army and 30 years with the National Security Agency. Jay and Vivian happily spent his last 25 years enjoying life as residents in Naples, Florida, and spending the summers in Flinton, Pennsylvania.

Jay’s life exemplified a love of God, family, friends, travel and laughter… so much laughter. His greatest joys were his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife, and companion of 64 years, Vivian Ford, his 4 children, Kathryn Koberlein (George) of Naples, Florida, Jay Ford (Mae) of Woodbridge, Virginia, Laura Curtin (Richard) of East Ridge, Tennessee, and Amy Ford (Tina) of Bristol, Tennessee. 8 Grandchildren, Ben Krick (Melissa), Amanda Monk (David), and Billy Cipriano (Arielle), all of Naples, Florida. Jay Alexander and Emily Ford, of Woodbridge, Virginia, Ricky, Jessica, and Casey Curtin of East Ridge, Tennessee, and Maddy Benner of Naples, Florida. 9 Great Grandchildren, Calvin and Sophia Krick, Alexis, Mercedes, and Portia Acevedo, Mckayla, Madisyn, and Maverick Monk, and Alayia Cipriano, all of Naples, Florida. He is also survived by his Brother and Sister In Law, Frank and Patty Berkhouse, and Sister In Law, Brenda Edington. In addition to those listed, he will be deeply missed by Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Friends, and all the others that affectionately called him “Dad” or “PopPop”.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Ruth Ford, Sister, Natalie Davis, Nephew, Clyde Davis, Niece, Janet Kay Butler, as well as so many others that that meant so much to him. No doubt he is rejoicing, as he is now reunited with them.

A celebration of Jay’s life, to include military honors for a life of service to our country, will be held at 2pm on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Family and friends may plan to arrive at 1:30pm. Services will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Avenue N., Naples, Florida 34108.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Ford family.