Grant P. Ford, Jr.

Grant P. Ford, Jr., 86, of Colonie entered into eternal life with his Lord from the comfort of his home on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, after a short illness. Born in Troy, NY on October 11, 1936, Grant was the beloved husband and partner of Alice LaPointe Ford for 51 years and the son of the late Grant and Marion Garry Ford.

Grant was raised in Albany and attended Schuyler High School. The caption with his senior picture reads, "His humor is his sword." He was quite proud of that statement, and it was true throughout his life. After graduation in 1955 he joined the United States Air Force where he served in Indiana, Hawaii and Okinawa, being honorably discharged in 1959. In the USAF, Grant learned to drive large trucks, which would be where he began his love of life behind the windshield. After leaving the service, he was a real estate broker, but the road was calling so he changed careers to be a cross country truck driver. After life on the road, he drove cabs, limos and finally a school bus until he retired at the age of 72.

Grant was a lifelong learner. He took classes at Hawaii University while in the USAF and later in life attended Bryant & Stratton College in Albany where he received two associate degrees. His passions included coffee, computers, politics and his wife Alice, the love of his life. They loved to western style square dance, camp, go sailing, travel together to visit family in Florida, take cruises, and tend to and enjoy their gardens.

Grant gave of his time and energy and would often be called upon by others in need. He enjoyed visiting the sick and homebound of his parish community, and lending a helping hand with projects, both small and large for his family and friends. He was always willing to help.

In addition to his beloved wife, Alice, Grant is also survived by his cherished children, James (Linda) Ford of Connecticut, Stephen Ford of Florida, Laura Milligan of Florida, William (Rona) Reagan of Colonie and Michael Reagan, eleven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, brother, Everett (Marion) Ford, Sr. and sisters, Marie (Jerry) Beck and Linda VanBrabant, as well as many nieces, nephews, family members and friends who loved him and will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, Grant was predeceased by his dear grandson Joshua Reagan and his brother Clark Ford.

The family would like to thank Community Hospice for helping bring Grant home, fulfilling Grant's wish to be with his family in his last days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 19 at 11am by Father Francis O'Connor at the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Americas, Albany, where he attended church, followed by burial in Memory Gardens, Colonie. Family and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, May 18 from 4pm-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Grant's honor to The Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Americas.

To express your sympathy or share a treasured memory with the family, please visit NewComerAlbany.com.