Search by Name
Search by Name
Leo James Ford III, age 57, passed away at his home in Chicago surrounded by his family on Oct. 27 after a heroic battle with cancer. Leo is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Ann Kettelson Ford and his sons Joseph and James. He leaves behind his four siblings: Mary Ford (Joseph Kendrick) of Minneapolis, Minn.; Anne Ford Gill (John) of New Market, Md.; Michael Ford (Carrie) of Shoreview, Minn.; and Grace Ford Kierna of Chicago; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo James Ford Jr. and Mary Catherine Hughes Ford of Janesville, Wis., and his brother-in-law Robert Kierna (Grace) of Chicago. Leo grew up in Janesville and graduated from George S. Parker High School. He received a civil engineering degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee and later moved to Chicago where he would marry Ann. Leo was a true Renaissance man who exuded warmth and charm. His career encompassed industrial construction, real estate, and acting. He was a member of the Second City National Touring Company and a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists. He was a talented cook, an expert wood craftsman and a skilled handyman. He loved architecture, art, and had a keen and eclectic appreciation of music. Center to his being, he was a father who coached basketball, baseball, chauffeured kids to sporting events, and packed lunches. Leo was a present parent. His wife Ann would always say that Leo was her biggest cheerleader. Throughout her nursing, legal and corporate career, Leo was there to offer advice, sooth her mind, make dinner-and most importantly, make her laugh. He inherited from his mother and father, the sense of friendship in volume-from high school and college friends to work colleagues, actors, comedians and the Laschets stammtisch team. During his battle with cancer, his friends would host two consecutive Leopaloozas, a celebration of Leo's life where friendship, music, and laughter took center stage. For every person that Leo came in contact with, he left an indelible mark. He would light up a room, make the mundane funny and show genuine interest, kindness and respect to all. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 3 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cooney Funeral Home, 3918 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 2330 W. Sunnyside Avenue, Chicago. Friends and family are asked to meet at the church. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to JDRF Illinois and Stand Up 2 Cancer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ann Joe and James, I'm so sorry for your loss of Leo and for everyone who every met him.He was a special guy one of a kind.God bless you in your time of loss.
Jerry Doolin
November 8, 2017
Ann we are deeply saddened to hear about Leo's death. We have fond memories of you and Leo coming over and playing cards with the Queen of Angels gang. Ann, Joe, and James, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Lynn Rau
Lynn and John Rau
Neighbor
November 6, 2017
Ann and family,
My deepest sympathy to you. I knew Leo from occasional visits to Laschets Inn. He was truly a great guy. I will keep you in my prayers.
Bob Lund
November 6, 2017
Ann and Family -
Sending my condolences for your loss. I never met Leo, but hearing the stories and reading these touching messages tells me that he was a special man, loved by many. Many prayers to you.
Sandra Collier
Sandra Collier
November 4, 2017
I only met him once, when the cross was put back on our great great grandfather Michael Ford's headstone. Saddened by is passing. So sorry for you loss.
Bob Sommerfeldt
Robert Sommerfeldt
November 4, 2017
Saddened by our loss, Inspired by our memories. Leo made an easy friend, welcoming and engaging. Privileged to have Leo as a fellow parishioner, neighbor and all 'round community soul. Its always most difficult to lose a spouse and parent before their time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you Anne, Joe and James. We stand at your side.
on behalf of the Lyman family
John Lyman
Friend
November 3, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss - Leo was such a great guy and touched so many hearts.
Liza Antony
Friend
November 2, 2017
Ann and family... My deepest condolences and prayers are being sent your way. I knew Leo from Church and his participation in the Comedy Showcase at Queens, many years ago. I pray God will give all of you strength to get through this difficult time. He is Home now...safely in God's loving arms. Prayers to all of you.
Patti Holzner
November 2, 2017
Ann,
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your husband Leo. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lou Gatta
lou Gatta
November 2, 2017
Dear Ann & Family, Please accept our sincere sympathy. Leo was a dear friend to all our children. What memories of friendship and joy we had with all his entire family.We all grew up together, parents included. School,stories, basketball, music brought us together and formed many traditions. We couldn't help but have fun! We will remember always Jim and Kathryn, Leo,Mary,Anne,Michael and Grace in our prayers.Love, Jerry & Ginny Mills & Family
November 1, 2017
Without question, one of my all time favorite individuals. Loved him like a brother and was always so happy to see him enter a room. To say he will be missed doesn't properly address the loss in all our hearts. Ann, Joe and James, you were the light of his life. Every single time we saw each other , he would update me on all of you. His love and devotion were unparalleled. May warm memories of your Husband and Father comfort you during this difficult time. May God hold Leo in the Palm of His Almighty Hand.
With sadness and condolences,
Greg Gienko
Greg Gienko
October 31, 2017
Leo was a fellow employee of mine at Concrete Technology in Springboro, Ohio where I managed the engineering department. He was an instant friend. I always enjoyed his visits to Springboro and my visits to Chicago to provide engineering input on his projects. He always made me laugh. My sincere condolences to Leo's wife, sons, and extended family. I will surely miss him.
Jim King
October 31, 2017
Ann,
I am so sorry to hear about Leo. You guys will always be in my heart as fun patients to visit with. I enjoyed my discussions with Leo when he visited the office and our exchanges on restaurants and other things. On behalf of the entire Webster Dental family I want to express our deepest sympathies.
Steve Rempas
Steve Rempas
October 31, 2017
Ann, Joe, And Leo James IV,
Leo had such a neat way to see the word. He found the interesting in everything and everyone. I loved his great restaurant recommendations, loved his immense beer can collection, loved his flair for fashion, loved his music, loved bumping into him around town, loved his diy advice. Loved that he was still prank calling aunt Rita. Loved that he took my brother to concerts, Loved that he MC'd my wedding, loved that he was so good to his parrents and his children, God bless
Bridget Ford Cross
October 31, 2017
Ann,
Cecilia and I are deeply sorry for your loss.
Stu Shea
Stu Shea
October 30, 2017
Dearest Ann, we offer our heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones for the passing of your beloved Leo. May God lift his face toward you and grant you peace during this difficult time. Numbers 6:26
AM
October 30, 2017
Dear Ann,
I am so sorry about your loss; you and your family are in my prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Marla Glabe
October 30, 2017
The Quaas family sends our deepest condolences to the Ford family for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you; we pray you will find comfort through your faith and trust that God will hold you in the palm of His hand during the days, weeks and months to come.
Sincerely,
Ken, Isabelle & Matthew Quaas
October 30, 2017
My condolences
As You grief, please let the memories that meant the most to you live close to your heart, along with " God promise to wipe away the tears from your eyes. "
So Sorry for the loss of Mr. Leo
S G
October 30, 2017
I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Leo was an incredible, funny, warm and kind human and will be truly missed by all who were lucky to know him.
Diane Buchi Freeman
October 30, 2017
Sorry for your loss may the God of comfort be with you and your family at this time act 24 :15
D D
October 30, 2017
Thinking of you. Mimi Crabtree
October 30, 2017
Dear Ann and family,
I am very sorry for your loss, it is
a terrible thing to lose a loved one. I hope you received the special intention mass card from my church last April as well.
My sincere condolences,
Ursi Sprague
October 30, 2017
Like countess others, I'll always be so grateful to have known and worked with Leo. He was such a wonderful person in addition to being hilarious and "movie star" handsome. My deepest sympathy to his lovely wife Ann, his sons Joseph and James, and the rest of Leo's family and friends. No one who knew Leo will ever forget him.
Brian Stack
October 30, 2017
Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. I hope that words such as those found at John 6:40 bring you comfort at this difficult time. CR
October 30, 2017
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Nov
3
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cooney Funeral Home - Chicago3918 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618
Funeral services provided by:
Cooney Funeral Home - Chicago3918 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more