Obituary of Eugene F. Ford

Eugene F. Ford Jamestown, NY Eugene F. Ford, recently of the Resource Center, and formerly of Olean, passed away peacefully Wednesday (February 28, 2024) at UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown. Born August 8, 1943 in the Village of Warsaw, he was the son of Gordon Eban and Loretta Julia Etta Anderson Ford. Gene was raised under institutional care in the Newark State School and later the J&N Adam Developmental Center in Perrysburg. He was in and out of their care but also spent some time living with his father, and also in private homes. He was fortunate to have come to live with the Gary and Elizabeth Williams family in Olean for 10 years where he became like a member of their family. While in Olean, he worked full time for many years for SubCon Industries, a job he truly loved before retiring into the DayHab program both at Intandem and The Resource Center. When Gene needed more long-term care, he lived at Intandem’s group housing. Shortly after the Williams family moved to Jamestown, he too moved there and had been cared for since February of 2018. by The Resource Center, as well as remaining an integral part of the Williams’ lives by joining them at least twice weekly for dinner and special occasions. All who knew Gene experienced his spunky personality, how he loved being taken to weekly mass, and of course watching the Buffalo Bills games on TV. He enjoyed listening to music and playing records, dancing, and being part of the fun on any occasion. He also loved the holidays, being outside, and watching movies. Gene was loved by the staff at both Intandem and the Resource Center who provided him with care, love, and entertainment, especially Sarah Forney, Sandy Crandall, and Ashley Emke. He loved Gary and Elizabeth, and felt like family to them, especially their children and many grandchildren to whom he brought much joy. He leaves behind a sister, Mary Ford of Jamestown; his “family” at Intandem and The Resource Center, and the Williams family. He was predeceased by his parents, and his friend Liz Williams. Friends will be received on Tuesday (March 5, 2024) from noon to 1pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A funeral service will begin at 1pm in the funeral home. Rev. Peter Bassey, of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, will officiate. Burial will be next to his father in Mt. Prospect Cemetery in Franklinville. Memorials, if desire, may be made to Intandem, 1439 Buffalo St., Olean, NY 4760, or to The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Ave., Jamestown, NY 14706.