MAURICE DEGRASSE "MO" FORD

Ford, Maurice "Mo" deGrasse Beloved teacher, colleague and friend to many, Maurice Ford died peacefully at Sancta Maria Nursing Facility in Cambridge on Tues. Apr. 14th at the age of 78 after battling heart failure for 45 days. The son of the late Maurice T. and Genevieve Ford, he was a graduate of The Roxbury Latin School, Harvard University, and Harvard Law School, receiving A.B., J.D., and A.M. degrees. During his undergraduate years he played a principal role in founding the Gilbert and Sullivan Players which continue up to this day, and he was also an enthusiastic member of the Harvard Glee club, maintaining a strong interest in their activities for many years. Following Law School graduation he joined the New York law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison, working in the entertainment section. During that time he also wrote briefs for the American Civil Liberties Union. Two of his cases: Smith v. Mississippi, and Malloy v. Hogan were heard by the U. S. Supreme Court and he was always very proud of this. Returning to Boston several years later, he subsequently taught Constitutional Law at Harvard Law School, and later courses at Yale Law School and Simmons School of Social Work, and published articles in The Nation, The New Republic, The American Journal of Psychiatry and others. Later in life he followed his passion for helping others by founding Lawyering for the Homeless, an organization which tried to get lawyers, internists, psychiatrists, alcohol counselors, and social workers to team up and help the homeless in Cambridge, Somerville and Boston. His "office" was at Au Bon Pain in Harvard Square, where he personally helped many people. Mo will be remembered for his handsome and commanding presence, his love and interest in others, his wit, and deep compassion and empathy. He is survived by his friend and companion Mary Jane Rupert. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday, May 4th, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Mo's church, St. Paul Church, 29 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138. In lieu of flowers donations in Mo's memory may be made to St. Paul Church. Rogers & Hutchins Funeral Homes Arlington & Cambridge