David G Ford

Dave was born October 1, 1946, in Camden, NJ, where he spent his formative years before graduating from Camden High School, class of 1964. Drafted in 1966, he served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army while stationed in Ettlingen, Germany. Dave then lived in Collingswood, NJ, before marrying his wife Marilyn (née Morgan) in 1985 and settling in Haddon Twp. where they raised their four loving children.

Dave spent 44 years of his career at Kingsway Learning Center, then located in Haddonfield, NJ, and Moorestown, NJ, where he dutifully served as the Facilities Manager. With steadfast dedication to the students and staff, Dave tirelessly ensured that Kingsway’s buildings were always ready to provide an enriching educational environment for individuals with disabilities. He cared deeply for Kingsway’s mission, took great pride in his role, and maintained countless close friendships from those many years.

A massive sports fan, Dave’s favorite team was always the Philadelphia Phillies, having attended his first game on May 13, 1954, a historic game for his favorite pitcher, Robin Roberts. Dave also attended the infamous Philadelphia Eagles Santa Claus incident on December 15, 1968, where a frustrated crowd pelted Santa with snowballs. It will surprise no one who knew Dave to learn he did not join in, preferring to display his fandom with the same level of class he carried through all facets of life.

Music, movies, and history were other huge passions for Dave. He always knew he could turn to soul, jazz, or R&B to comfort him through life’s struggles or to serve as a backdrop for moments of bliss. Harboring a thirst for knowledge, Dave was particularly fond of documentaries and relished the opportunity to exchange trivia questions on a range of topics with anyone who would join him in discussion.

An animal lover, Dave cherished his time with the family pets, who were always able to bring a smile to his face. Dave also enjoyed giving back to the community. He regularly participated in local food drives, supply drops at an animal shelter, and donated to charities, including the ASPCA, Operation Smile, Bethany Christian Services, and the American Cancer Society.

Dave’s greatest priority in life, however, were the relationships he had with family and friends. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Mae-Hollyn (Merced) Valenzuela of Haddon Twp.; son Michael (Colleen) of Philadelphia; daughter Morgan of Collingswood; son Matthew (Gabrielle) of Gloucester City; sister Susan Whilden of Haddon Twp.; several nieces & nephews; and three grandchildren whom he adored: Kyler, Lana, and Matilda. He is preceded in death by his parents David and Helen and siblings William and Sara (“Sally”) Muller. Dave’s life was marked by so much more than this obituary can convey, but his friends and loved ones will carry those memories on.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at 12:30 PM, Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Ashland Church (33 E. Evesham Rd, Voorhees Twp., NJ 08043), where Dave was a longtime, devoted congregant. The family will receive friends for a viewing at Ashland from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. David will be interred at Harleigh Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Dave kindly requested donations in his honor to Kingsway Learning Center: https://www.kingswaylearningcenter.org/about-3-3