Robert Merryman Ford

Robert Merryman Ford, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 26, 2021 surrounded by his beloved family.He was the proud husband of Helen Ford.They gratefully celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in July. Bob was so much more than his passing – he leaves behind a loving family & a true legacy of hard work, dedication, thoughtful gestures & joy.He grew up in Norrisville as the only child of the late Bill & Dot Ford.He spent his formative years as an athlete & tractor operator at Blevins Fruit Farm (where he met his one true love, Helen).He started his career at Bendix Manufacturing in Baltimore before finding his true passion – entrepreneurship.He worked at Gracie Painting Contractors (Hanover, PA) then DeVono’s Dry Cleaners.He was at DeVono’s for 28 years – learning the business & building his reputation in the community. Bob was one of the founding members of the North Harford High School Booster Club, his alma mater.At 46 years old, Bob purchased his own shop, Hanna Dry Cleaners (York, PA).He ran the drycleaners with his daughters, Sheree and Marcia & his granddaughter, Jeanine & it grew to be “Best of York County”.He also worked until 60 years old with Ford’s Painting alongside his son, Keith.Never shy of a hard day’s work which he passed onto his family. Bob was never one to take a day for granted!He filled his days with family & friends – boating locally & at the beach, enjoying weekends at their beach house in Ocean Pines, and snowmobiling for 30 winters.He loved cheering on his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren in their sports – sprint cars, lacrosse, soccer, basketball & more!He traveled the country to share the sidelines with new & old friends.He was a stranger to no one – always there with a shoulder for those he loved & a seat at his table – he loved a great meal, good laughter & never missed the chance to show up for those he loved. In addition to his wife, Mr. Ford is survived by his three children: Daughter, Sheree Gross and husband, Russ of Fawn Grove; Daughter, Marcia Joines and husband, Monti of Norrisville; son, Keith Ford and wife Renee of Norrisville; 6 grandchildren – Jeanine, Jennifer, Monica, Megan, Haley & William; 8 great-grandchildren – Logan, Noah, Emma, Ellie, Brock, Tucker, Piper & Oliver – we will miss our guy! In lieu of flowers, please donate to Norrisville United Methodist Church (2811 Church Ln. White Hall, MD 21161) where Bob was a lifelong member. There will be a private service for family in the coming weeks – please send your caring thoughts & memories in cards or letters to Helen & family. Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc. of Stewartstown is assisting the family with the arrangements. Hartensteincares.com