Ford Tucker II

On Monday, November 28, 2022, Ford Tucker II, of Brecksville, Ohio, a loving husband, father, and friend, passed away at age seventy-nine. He was the third of four children born to Leo and Edith Tucker of Sheridan, New York. He graduated as valedictorian from Silver Creek High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts in French Literature from Kenyon College, and a Master of Science in Social Administration from Western Reserve University. He and his high school sweetheart, Gretchen Linnea Doerschug, celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this year.

Ford began his career in social work in 1967 in Watertown, New York, on a project concerning the care of neglected and abused children. He served as the Associate Director of Social Work at the University of Rochester's Strong Memorial Hospital and Director of Social Work at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Over the course of his career, Ford received numerous professional awards and accolades and served on the Board of Directors of the Society of Hospital Social Work Directors. He retired in 1988.

In retirement, Ford found ways to use his professional experience and natural compassion to help others. He spent several years making weekly trips to a nursing home in Cleveland to visit young adults with multiple sclerosis. In 1991, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Cleveland Chapter, honored him as the service volunteer of the year.

For nearly 40 years, Ford and Gretchen attended St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Brecksville, where, among other things, he served on the vestry and sang in the choir. Within the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, Ford served on the disability outreach committee and traveled to various churches across northern Ohio to promote accessibility.

Ford is remembered for his quick wit and storytelling; commitment to his family, friends, and colleagues; and perseverance in the face of challenges. He enjoyed vacationing with family; planning mystery trips; gardening; singing; and playing the guitar, banjo, and piano.

Ford is survived by his wife Gretchen, sons Adam and Jason (Stacy), sister Virginia Becker, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Anne Culhane, and brother Tracy Tucker.

A celebration of Ford's life will take place at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Brecksville on Saturday, December 17th at 1:00 p.m. Those wishing to honor Ford may choose to donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.