Born in Brooklyn on May 12, 1961, to Robert and Joan, Robert A. Ford was raised on Staten Island with his sister, Eileen. He settled down in Grant City with his beloved wife, Karen.

He went to the Academy of St. Dorothy and Tottenville High School. He was a parishioner at St. Christopher’s Church. He earned a degree from DeVry Technical Institute. Bob was an athletic, outgoing child who loved playing baseball, football, and being with friends. He loved spending summers in the Hamptons, especially clamming trips with family. He worked at the Statue of Liberty and Dictaphone. In 1990, he was called to the FDNY, where he found a home with Engine 284/Ladder 149, lovingly known as “The Castle on the Hill.” His fellow firemen became his brothers, and the Fords still cherish those bonds.

Bob and Karen were married for over 20 years. Inseparable from the day they met, they filled their life with love, laughter, adventure, and joy. Some of their fondest memories include summers at the shore, skiing, and sports games. Bob was a proud father to his children, Kayla, Tara, and Robert. He volunteered in the community and with their softball, baseball, and basketball teams, showing up with heart. Bob loved taking his kids to the movies, the beach, fishing, biking, and visiting the firehouse. One of their fondest memories was summers with friends at the Jersey Shore. He was a proud, goofy, loving husband and father. “Dad” was his favorite role. Bob could often be found driving his convertible, joyriding his motorcycle, or at a Jets or Yankees game. He enjoyed golf outings, softball with his firehouse, mountain biking, and fishing.

Bob loved being a firefighter. He took pride in serving the city he loved. On September 11, 2001, he responded to the World Trade Center attacks and served in the rescue and recovery efforts for months. In 2007, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a direct result of his service at Ground Zero. After a long, courageous battle, Bob passed away on October 29, 2009, at home, surrounded by family.

Even in sickness, Bob never lost his joyful spirit. He made everyone around him laugh and smile until the end. If you ask anyone who knew him, they’ll tell you, “Bob was the best person I ever met.” If you were lucky enough to know him, hopefully you still hear his laughter or feel the love he offered.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He left behind a legacy of love and honor. He lived each day fully and never took a moment for granted. The world would be a kinder place if we all chose to live a little more like Bob Ford.