John Ford

Ford, John J. ("The Sideliner") 94, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Dorothy (Angell) Ford. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late John J. Ford and Anna (Walsh) Ford.
John was a staple in the local sports community. He was an avid athlete playing both football and baseball. John played and coached for many years, and spoke about being a member of the legendary "championship" softball team, "Johnnies", from Centerdale, RI. John reveled about working at the Observer Publication, in Greenville, RI, for 50 years, and was known to most as "The Sideliner". John also worked at the Worchester Textile Company in Greystone, RI. During his many years as "Sports Editor", John proudly served the local sports community through his articles and cartoons. John was a recipient of the prestigious "Jack Martin Award" through the RI High School Coaches Association, Hall of Fame. John was a member of the RI Press Association as well and the RI Grid Iron "Hall of Fame". John was a proud veteran of WWII, and serve in the Coast Guards during this time.
John loved God and Church, his country, his family and friends, his community, and everyone he was able to touch along his journey. To those that knew him well, he possessed a passionate love for The University of Notre Dame. As a true subway alumnus, John was recognized by the University on several occasions. John was the proud recipient of the RI and Southeastern Massachusetts Notre Dame Alumni Club-in addition to being the recipient of the 1989 Notre Dame Honorary Alumni award. John was a true Notre Dame "historian". John will also be featured in the spring edition of "The Notre Dame" magazine.
He is survived by his two sons, Terrence P. Ford of North Providence, Sean P. Ford and his wife Paula (Perrotti) Ford, of South Kingstown, as well as four grandchildren, Desiree, Derek, Blaze and Brooke Ford.
John was the loving brother of the late Gertrude (Ford) Yeaman and her late husband Samuel Yeamen, his niece, Joyce (Yeaman) Egan, his nephews John and James Yeamen, as well as many other loving family members.

His funeral will be held Friday at 9 AM from the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave. North Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Augustine Church, Providence. Burial with Military Honors will be in Pawtuxet Memorial Park, Warwick. Calling hours Thursday 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 370 7th Ave. Suite 1802, NYC, NY 10001 or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38101.