Ronald E Ford of Lancaster died peacefully surrounded by his loving family and his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann on November 21, 2024. Born on April 19, 1940, he was the second child of 10 to the late James W Ford and Viola Ewell Ford. The Fords were known as a quiet and loving family that professed a deep faith; a commitment to their church, education, hard work and love of community. His father was the most significant person in his life, who, as a veteran sent Ron and his brother Kenneth to the Scotland School for Veterans' Children. Ron was an outstanding athlete and team player who went on to Morgan State University as a sprinter for the track team. Initially working in Baltimore, he came back to his beloved Lancaster and to the 7th Ward where he and Mary Ann raised two children, along with keeping close seven grandchildren who gave them the further joy of great and great-great grandchildren. Ron was a devoted family man who carried on the tradition of a close and loving family that was engendered by his parents.

Ron embodied the true spirit of giving, a legacy of kindness, leadership and service. He always displayed his servant leadership both at work and in his community. He had a gift for making people feel that they were heard no matter who they were or their circumstance. This trait was especially valuable when he was a Human Resource Professional for 21 years at Case New Holland. Both management and employees felt that his approach was fair and respectful.

A quiet trailblazer, he loved the City of Lancaster, dedicating himself to constant improvements for the city and its residents. Often, one would notice that something had changed for the better, wondering how that happened. Ron was already walking ahead, on to his next goal, without looking for credit. His beautiful wife, Mary Ann was his constant partner with family and community. He served on many Boards and with community organizations and Mary Ann accompanied him every step of the way. If you knew and loved Ron, you also knew and loved Mary Ann.

This quiet trailblazer was the first Black President of Lancaster City Council from 1991 to 1994, having served on Council from 1975 to 1984 and 1990 to 1994. He was also the first and only Black County Commissioner, elected in 1995 with Terry Kauffman and Paul Thibault. Before they took office, as they came together, he told them that, as the lone Democrat, he had no intention of being the voice of contradiction. He wanted to get things done prompting a moment in time when long overlooked but critical projects got done. They energized multiple communities throughout Lancaster County along with the elected and appointed officials in County Government. Indeed, in the weeks prior to Ron and Paul's retirement from office, County employees fashioned a banner of accomplishments that hung from the second-floor balcony and touched the first floor of the courthouse. On his last day as a County Commissioner, he sat in his office, boxes filled with his belongings and said to those gathered, "I have a deep sense of satisfaction. We accomplished everything that I wanted to get done. It's a good feeling."

Those accomplishments yielded a number of well-deserved awards, most notably the NAACP Freedom Fund Award and the Commissioner of the Year Award. It should also be noted that although he "retired" twice, he remained an active contributor to his community. He was predeceased, in addition to his parents by his daughter, Debra Ford and his siblings Kenneth, Jerry, Elizabeth and Dale. In addition to his wife Mary Ann, he is survived by his son Scott Ford, grandchildren David Woods, Tyaunna Woods, Nicole Burton, Stanley Autry Jr., Tyree Ford, Porsha Ford and Kayla Ford along with a number great and great, great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Harold Ford; Stanford Ford; Dwight Ford; Larry Ford and Brian Ford.

A celebration of his life will be held at Brightside Baptist Church; 515 Hershey Avenue; Lancaster, PA on Friday November 29 at 12 PM, the family will receive guests from 10 AM to 12 PM. Interment to follow at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be sent to Ebenezer Baptist Kitchen Committee.