Mr. Anthony T. "Tony" "Man" Ford

UTICA – Mr. Anthony T. “Tony” “Man” Ford, age 53, went home to be with the Lord when he passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family. Born in Detroit, MI on February 25, 1969 to the late Manuel Willis and Connie Ford, he also knew the love of his step-father, Roger Blair. He moved to the Utica area and graduated from Utica Free Academy/Class of 1987. At one time in his career, he held a position at the former Loretto Nursing Home in the housekeeping department. At the time of his death, he held a position as a production worker with the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He loved his occupation and was proud that he was able to appear in their commercials. People will remember Anthony as the life of the party, thanks in part to his infectious smile. He was one of those people who was delightful to be around and always treated everyone with kindness and respect. A truly selfless man, he never failed to put others first. He was also resourceful, and could always figure out how to get things done. He also possessed impeccable etiquette and carried himself with a distinguished air. He dressed like a gentleman, often remarking on “everything had to matter.” Anthony also loved shopping and was a very skilled bowler. He often helped lead his company team to victory! He took great enjoyment on the nights he went out swing dancing. He simply loved having a good time. A God-fearing man, Anthony was very spiritual and took his faith seriously. He greatly valued the time he spent in the choir at Friendship Baptist Church, where he was a devout member for many years. Anthony is survived by his mother, Connie Ford and her husband, his step-father, Roger Blair; and his sisters and brother-in-law, Annette and Randy West, and Lashawn Ford. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, especially Keeshawn Rucker, whom he helped raise and considered a son; and La-Quilla Ford, whom he also helped raise and take care of from her very birth. He will be missed by his aunts and uncles, Jessie Ford, Darlene Branch; godmother, Theresa Warren, god-brother, Akbar Harper; his god-sister, Nakey Cromer; godchildren, Ivory Brown, and Markell Brown; and special lady, Lorraine Lilley. Anthony was preceded by his aunts, Kassandra Holmes and Genetta Ford; his uncle, Tommy Branch; his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Alberta Burd; his special cousins whom he loved as brothers, Lamonte King, and Abdel Ford; and his great-grandmother, Nannie King. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staffs at Utica Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare, and MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their care, especially the doctors who attended to Anthony, for their compassion. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 from 10:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 1004 Albany St., Utica. Anthony’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 1:00 p.m. at the church immediately upon conclusion of visitation. Internment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Anthony T. "Tony" "Man" Ford

February 25, 1969 - September 18, 2022