Obituary of Frederick M. Ford

~~Frederick M. Ford of Owego passed away on August 31, 2017.  He was married to the late Christa A. Ford (Anthonisen) for 32 years and is survived by his daughter, Barbara L. Carpenter (Michael) of Central Square, NY, and his son, Rick L. Ford (Glenda) of Owego, NY, four grandchildren, Brian (Amanda) Carpenter, Kaitlyn (Andrew) Wojtkowiak, Tyler Ford and Mason Ford.  He is also survived by his longtime loving companion, Lois Harris.  Fred served in the Army at Headquarters Company in the Pentagon.  He worked as a computer programmer at IBM and a data anyalyst for Tioga County.  Fred dedicated his life to drum corps activity which began as a member of the Owego Central School Drum & Bugle Corps at the age of 14. From there he joined the American Legion Post 401 Kikapoos in the 1950’s.  In the early 1960’s, he formed the Mello-Dears All-Girl Drum  & Bugle Corps and was their Business Manager or Corps Director for almost 50 years.  The competitive corps toured the country each summer winning many titles, but is most well known for their World Championship in Lynn, Massachusetts in 1972.  More recently he traveled internationally with the world renowned Empire Statesman Senior Drum & Bugle Corps from Rochester, NY.  Fred was on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Drum & Bugle Corps Circuit and President and Show Coordinator of the Penn-York Circuit for many years.  He became President of the Girls Corps International (G.C.I) where he continued work toward the growth, recognition and touring opportunities of all-girl corps.  He was inducted into the Drum Corps Association Hall of Fame in 2001.  Fred touched the lives of many during his association with the Mello-Dears and other drum corps, making friends for a lifetime. He will be remembered for his tireless hours of commitment and many contributions to the Drum Corps activity.  Fred and his family would like to recognize Carol Williams, Stephanie Slavick, Danielle Hennekens, Brittney Russell, Penny Davis, Sue Fortier, Meranda McClarin, Gail Espe, Lori Espe along with many others who made it possible for Fred to live the last few years in his own home.  They worked tirelessly to cook and clean, but also to make him laugh and keep him comfortable and safe.  For their efforts, Fred and his family are truly grateful.  Thank you also to Lourdes Hospice.   Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego, NY.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery, Owego.  The family will receive friends Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Frederick M. Ford to Lourdes Hospital Foundation (Hospice), 169 Riverside Dr., Suite 103, Binghamton, NY  13905.  Condolences may be made to Fred’s family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com