Joseph Anthony Ford

LONGMEADOW - Joseph Anthony Ford, 86, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Born August 31, 1934 in Springfield, MA, he was a son to the late Herbert and Rose (DiFalco) Ford. He married Lauretta (Vivenzio) Ford and together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage while raising their four children. Joe was a veteran serving his country with the U.S. Army. He was the proud owner of Star Candy in Springfield and was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Longmeadow. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. In addition to his beloved wife Lauretta, Joe is survived by his children Anna Marganti and her husband, Bill of Agawam, Rosa Stellato and her husband, Frank of Wilbraham, Teresa D’Agostino and her husband, Joe of Longmeadow, and Joseph Ford Jr. and his wife, Lori of East Longmeadow; his grandchildren who he adored Tianna, Toni, Nina, Gabby, Allie, Joey, Francesca, Damiana, Michelina and Matteo; great-granddaughter Sofia; and sister Peggy Farrell. He will further be missed by his sister-in-law Shirley Ford; brothers-in-law Attorney Al Vivenzio and his wife, Jane, and Vincent Vivenzio; and several beautiful nieces, nephews other loving relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial for Joe will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 10AM in St. Mary’s Church, 519 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. A private burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Springfield. Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be no public calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905. Forastiere-Smith Funeral Home, East Longmeadow has been entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.