Joseph F. Ludford

On December 19, 2024, Joseph Francis Ludford passed away peacefully in Dover, Pa near York, Pa at the age of 88. He was born to Anna Bradley and Joseph Francis Ludford, Sr. in New York City, NY. He grew up in the Bronx until the passing of his mother at age 12. He and his siblings then lived with his Grandmother Ludford in Putnam Lake, NY. He is survived by his wife, Linda Sturm Ludford of Spring Grove, Pa. He is also survived by his children Joseph Francis Ludford, Patrick Pratt Ludford, and Marie Elise Conner from his first marriage to Jacqueline Louise Pratt. He is also survived by his stepchildren Jennifer Rosier, Chris Williams, Amy Steele, and Andy Williams. He enjoyed his 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Veronica Varady, son Christopher John Ludford, and step grandson Madison Joseph Overfelt.
Mr. Ludford attended school in New York and graduated as high school valedictorian. He received a full scholarship to Manhattan College and graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering. In post graduate work, he attended Syracuse University, Johns Hopkins University, and Georgetown University Law Center. He had a long career as a civilian employee in defense engineering for the government in the Washington, DC area, and was a member of the IEEE society of engineers. He also served 30 years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, retiring at the rank of Colonel, after serving at the Pentagon and Andrews Air Force Base as well as several other bases.
Mr. Ludford's interest in education continued as an adjunct professor in Engineering at community colleges in Southern MD. He also volunteered his leadership in his community Board of Directors and the Society for Quality Assurance.
He will be remembered as a kind and generous person who thrived to learn and help people in his community who needed a moment of support to get back on their feet.
The family will hold a celebration of life in Howard County, MD in Spring 2025 (TBA). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a nonprofit of your choice, particularly those that rehabilitate those living with abuse, addictions, or mental health issues.