Ocean City lost one of their local legends this week as Robert “Doc” Ford, 85, passed away surrounded by his beloved family on May 5, 2023. Though his health was failing in the last few months of his life, he was still piping up with his notorious one liners — his family can still hear him quipping, “Can I get a word in?”
Doc will be sorely missed. Born in the Ducktown section of Atlantic City on March 3, 1938, he had a knack for making the most of life, whether it was heading out on camping trips with his family/buddies, playing on the Sports World Softball League, or running the streets of Ocean City. Residents throughout Ocean City could often catch a glimpse of him from their rearview mirrors as he sped by, training for one marathon or another.
Of all the things Doc did, one of his favorites came as a bit of a surprise. After retiring from his first career — Doc owned and operated Bob Ford’s Auto Body in Ocean City for 25 years — he went back to work as an aide at Ocean City High School, and he loved it. Though he retired from that position in 2011, his memory lives on with former students — he was known as the aide who was fun, funny, a friend to all and always with a story to share. Plus he was an epic Prom MC. He loved the kids, and the kids loved him — all these years later, people still get excited when they hear about him, often saying, “He was the best!”
Though Doc loved working at the high school, it was hardly the first time he was surrounded by teenagers. A father to five — Raymond, Caroline (Michael Calogero), Joseph (Tricia), Richard (Angela) and Robert — Doc and his cherished wife of 63 years, Caroline “Butchie” Ford raised all their children in Ocean City, and happily welcomed 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren over the course of their lives together.
Doc is survived by Butchie, all five of his children, grandchildren Jennifer (Greg Domsic), Jonathan, Josh (Stefanie), Luke & Donald Vineyard, Malia & Kaia Ford, Riley & Sydney Ford, Vincent Ford, Nick & Maddie Ford, and 4 great-grandchildren, Caelyn & Nyla Domsic and Alayna & Anthony Vineyard.
Doc’s services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to his beloved Ocean City High School, where support is currently needed for the After-Prom Party. Volunteer your time or make a monetary donation in memory of Mr. Ford. Visit OCHSAfterProm.org for details, to donate, or to volunteer.
Arrangements are by The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City. For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com
