Timothy Martin Ford
Obituary
Timothy Martin Ford of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed peacefully from a life well-lived on June 16, 2023. Born on April 20, 1940 in New York, NY to William and Anne Ford, he was raised and educated in Manhattan before enlisting into the US Navy on October 21, 1957. Tim proudly served aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59), achieving the rank of Radarman 2nd Class and earning the Good Conduct Medal before being honorably discharged on February 1, 1961. Timothy and Phyllis (Argentieri) Ford were united in marriage on October 19, 1963. They relocated with American Airlines to Tulsa, OK in 1974 where Tim worked until beginning a long and happy retirement in 1999.
Tim grew up in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, and took great pleasure in talking about his early family life with his parents and sister, Marie, and the numerous friends that he kept to this day. Tim was a proud veteran with a deep love for his country and happily shared stories of his days on the Forrestal. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Phyllis, and cherished father to their five children, as well as beloved “Pops” to ten grandchildren. Tim was a stranger to no one, and a friend to all. He was always quick with a joke, generous with his time and talents, enjoyed golf, working in the backyard, and happy hours. He will be remembered for his big laugh and love of a good time. Tim was always very open about how much he treasured his life, his family, and his friends. He was thankful for each and every blessing, appreciative and proud, and never hesitated to tell you how much you were loved and what you meant to him. Tim had a deep and abiding faith that informed his life, provided comfort, and now joy. We are blessed to have had our time with him and thank God for him.
Tim is preceded in death by his parents and Phyllis, his wife of 42 years before her death in 2005. He is survived by his children Linda Marie Ford England, of Dallas, TX, William Joseph Ford, of Tulsa, OK, Marian Jean Ford Porter, of Allen, TX, Sharon Ann Ford Sinnes, of McKinney, TX, and Thomas Martin Ford, of Tulsa, OK; sons-in-law, Robert Andrew England and Ronald Alan Sinnes, Jr.; sister, Marie Tatti, brother-in-law and childhood friend Raymond Tatti, and countless friends. Tim was beloved “Pops” to grandchildren Timothy and wife Emily England, Matthew and Christopher England, Connor Ford, Melissa Porter, Andrew and Ava Sinnes, Collin and Liam Ford, and Elle Simons. Memorial Mass 10:00 AM Friday, June 30, Holy Family Cathedral, Tulsa. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation in Tim's name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I just found out about Tim's passing in the Forrestal Association newsletter. I served with Tim on the Forrestal and we were part of the "weekend warriors" clan of 4 that would car pool from Norfolk to New York. Tim was a good man and one I highly respected. When I could not catch the last Jersey Coast train, he would invite me to sleep at his house after a bar stop of course. May he rest in peace and know that many people loved him. Charles "Sonny" Wyckoff
Charles "Sonny" Wyckoff
Tim - May you take with you all the wonderful and happy memories of 'The Crowd,' and our growing up in Washington Hgts. Sincere condolences to all of the Ford family. May you find strength, courage and peace. Angela (Ray Sullivan) Smith
Angela Smith
Tim was a good friend to my brother Peter Coney. They grew up together and worker together at American Airlines in NYC. On behalf of my brother Peter, his wife Pat and all of the Coneys, please accept our condolences. Jim Coney
James Coney
Kindred souls (we to you) While we exist as imperfect wholes, We search the world for kindred souls. Where actions and words aren't misunderstood, when life is lived - in brotherhood. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There's a grief that can't be spoken There's a pain goes on and on Empty chairs at empty tables Now my friends are dead and gone Empty chairs at empty tables Where my friends will meet no more Empty chairs at empty tables Where my friends will sing no more .. Drink with me to days gone by To the life that used to be At the shrine of friendship, never say die Let the wine of friendship never run dry Here's to you and here's to me
Tim Bonelli
Tim was my first supervisor with American Airlines (New York City) after I served my time in the Army (1967). Once we relocated to Tulsa (1974), our small group celebrated every New Year's Eve together--even through the pandemic. Going way back, we had fun times at Greenleaf State Park; and in more recent years enjoyed Tim's Annual pre Arkansas Golf Trip BBQ's held in his beautifully landscaped backyard eating under The Ford Beer Garden trellis. Tim always had a smile, always concerned about his friends, always there to help anyone, always kind to all and always had a funny story to tell.
Brian and Gail Martin
It was a pleasure to know you. May all of your journeys be glorious!
Sallie Simons and Pat Conwell
While I only met Tim and Phyllis a handful of times, immediately I liked them both. Tim had a funny, dry humor and was generous. While I was working in the yard just a short time ago, I had to laugh and thought of Tim when seeing his dwarf variegated monkey grass sprouting up in numerous locations! I recall he was doing landscaping, maybe 10-18 years ago. Being a new gardener, I couldn't quite understand why he seemed so content to share these plants. Now I can share the plants too... At some point he was building a pond and we had a rock and fish connection. Thank you. Joined with the love of your life, rest in peace.
Susan Russell