Robert E. Ford

Northbridge … Robert E. Ford, 89, died Thursday, November 8, in the Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center. He is survived by his brother, Keith Rockwood, of Webster; a sister, Marylee O'Connor, of Bedford, TX; seven nieces, four nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Walter W., and William W.

Mr. Ford was born in Worcester, April 4, 1929, a son of Elden Ford, Rose H. (Johnson) Rockwood, and his adopted Dad, Roland R. Rockwood. He lived in Westborough before moving to Worcester in 1936, and he lived in Florida for many years, moving back to Massachusetts due to failing health.

Bobby suffered a traumatic head injury when he was struck by a car at the age of seven. The injury impeded his learning, however, he went on to live a meaningful life.

Bobby worked at two of Worcester's premier hotels, the Bancroft, and the Coronado, as well as the former Mayflower Donut shop in Worcester. He then became adventurous and joined the Ringling Brothers traveling circus where he worked until Ringling retired the Big Top, in Sarasota, Florida

Bobby was a gentle, caring person his whole life. His interests included Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and Shirley Temple movies, old westerns, Lawrence Welk, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. He left a memory on anyone who took the time to know him.

Funeral services, and burial in in St. Luke's Cemetery, Westborough, will be held at a later date.

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