J 832: Mourning the death of Donald G. Ford, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

 Senate Resolution No. 832 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of Donald G. Ford, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Donald G. Ford of Mount Kisco, New York, died on April 4, 2025 at the age of 91; and WHEREAS, Born on March 26, 1934, to the late Grace and Alvah Ford, Donald G. Ford was a lifelong resident of Mount Kisco, New York, and graduated from Mount Kisco High School in 1953; and WHEREAS, Donald G. Ford distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, Drawn to serve his Nation, Donald G. Ford enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 as part of the Presidential Honor Guard at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C.; and WHEREAS, After honorably serving in the U.S. Army, Donald G. Ford returned to Mount Kisco, New York, and began a career at J.H. Crane and Son Furniture, and his ambitious entrepreneurial spirit guided him to eventually purchasing and operating the business for many memorable years; and WHEREAS, Family was a strong pillar in Donald G. Ford's life, and on July 23, 1955, he had the honor of marrying the love of his life, Carol; together, Carol and Donald G. Ford built a loving home for themselves and their two sons, Alan and Donald Gary Jr.; and WHEREAS, Donald G. Ford's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Faith was an important part of Donald G. Ford's life, and he was a devoted member of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Mount Kisco, New York, where he served in various capacities, including as Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and longtime Deacon; and WHEREAS, As an individual who recognized the importance of finding and building community, Donald G. Ford was a member of the American Legion Moses Taylor Jr. Post 136 in Mount Kisco, New York, and he held various leadership positions including Commander, Treasurer, Chairman, and Westchester County Commander; and WHEREAS, Through his business and involvement in the Mount Kisco area, Donald G. Ford was recognized as a familiar and respected figure in the local community; and WHEREAS, Donald G. Ford is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his son, Alan; his daughter-in-law, Nancy; four grandsons; two granddaughters; three great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; his sister-in-law; many cherished nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of other relatives and friends; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Donald G. Ford leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Donald G. Ford, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Donald G. Ford.