Obituaries

Charles "Chuck" R. Ford

6/18/1930 - 1/26/2021

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Obituary For Charles "Chuck" R. Ford

Charles R. “Chuck” Ford June 18, 1930-Jan. 26, 2021

Charles R. “Chuck” Ford, 90, Graystone Manor Altoona, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday after a battle with Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia. Chuck was born in Greensburg, PA, the son of the late William J. and Luella (Kalp) Ford. He married the love of his life, Catherine “Ann” Holbert on June 26, 1959 and she preceded him in death on April 20, 2016. He is survived by his son, Mark W. (Cathy) Ford of Altoona; daughters, Lisa A. (Kevin) Copenhaver of Greencastle, Pa. and Wendy L. (Ross) Kallen of San Diego, Ca.; seven grandchildren: Erin, Mason and Madison Ford, Matthew Copenhaver, Emily (Mark) Sainz, Nate and Julia Kallen; two great-grandchildren, Colin and Cassidy; and his brother, William C. (Dorothy) Ford of Kensington, Md. Chuck was a 1948 graduate of Taylor Alderdice High School. He moved to Altoona in 1959 and opened Fishers Department Store and managed it for 31 years retiring in 1992. Chuck was a pillar of the business community and took pride in knowing all his customers. After retirement, Chuck worked for The Stevens Mortuary as a greeter. Before Chuck moved to Altoona he played baseball and basketball and won the National Foul Shooting Championship. Chuck qualified to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and held a batting average of 469. In 1949, he played professional basketball for the Johnstown Johnnies and attended training camp with Bill Mazoroski of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953. He enjoyed golfing with his friends, playing cards at Park Hills Country Club, hunting, bowling and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. He was a member of Logan Valley Presbyterian Church, Bellwood. Chuck was an avid joke teller and loved to be around people and make them laugh. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be at Alto-Reste Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online: apdaparkinson.org Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602 Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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Condolences

  • 01/30/2021

    Robert E Sandrus

    I fondly remember Chuck in so many ways. Greeting me at the door of Fishers when I came to buy Buster Brown shoes for my kids, taking me home after I had babysat Mark, Lisa and Wendy, and always being a good friend to my parents Bob and Ellie. Chuck definitely was a man to look up to and I so appreciated his friendship. Sad to see him go, but happy he's with Ann now. A life well lived. Pam (Sandrus) Meiser

  • 01/30/2021

    Robert E Sandrus

    I have so many fond memories of Chuck beginning when he gave me my first real job at Fishers in 1964. He taught me so many things from how to properly use a push broom to the importance of customer service. I will always remember his guidance, his laughter, and how he loved to make others laugh with his cornball jokes. I'm sad about loosing him, but happy he is reunited with his beloved Ann. Bob Sandrus

  • 01/30/2021

    Cassy Grum

    I had the pleasure of meeting Chuck when I started at Graystone in Altoona. He was such a wonderful man, and always thinking of others. He was quick to tell me a joke on a rough day, and always wanted to make others smile. He will be greatly missed by all of us here. He is now with the Lord and his beautiful wife he told us about often. Praying for peace for his family and friends.

  • 01/28/2021

    Chris Green

    As so many people did, I first knew Mr ford through shopping at Fishers and then got to know him personally as I became friends with his son Mark and worked at Fishers. He was always eager to teach you something and just as eager to tell you a joke. He was good man and you can see that by the children that he raised and the family that he left behind.

  • 01/28/2021

    maxine weinberg

    My deepest sympathy to the entire family on the loss of your beloved father. Memories are a legacy of love and he was loved by all. Maxine Weinberg (The Colony Shop).

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