SCHENECTADY – It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the unexpected passing of Adam Richard Ford at the age of 35 years due to natural causes on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
He will be lovingly remembered by his mother Marcia Ford, father Bradley Ford, brother Brian Ford, sister Stephanie Kreis, brother-in-law Brian Kreis, niece Avery Ford, nephews Charlie and Bradley Kreis, girlfriend Kaila Matatt, and numerous relatives and friends.
Adam was born in Albany on October 31st 1986. He graduated from Niskayuna High School in 2005 and moved on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from SUNY Albany. He worked at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for many years beginning as a Biotech Production Specialist and moving up to Lead Biotech Production Training Specialist where he was responsible for training hundreds of operators. His sense of humor and deep knowledge made him a favorite trainer among all he worked with.
Adam was funny, witty, and possessed an almost uncanny ability to deliver the perfect one-liner to elicit a laugh no matter the situation. This made him fast friends and instantly loved by all who knew him.
A dedicated sports fan, Adam supported the only teams that deserved him–the New York Football Giants and New York Rangers. Many fond memories are shared among family and friends of watching games together, arguing over bad calls, cheering success, and bonding over their mutual hatred of Tom Brady and love of Henrik Lundqvist.
He was also deeply kind–a fact he worked hard to keep hidden but that was evident to all who knew him. He adopted his dog, Amber, from a shelter where she was constantly overlooked simply because she is a pitbull. He recognized her kind soul and brought her to the first real home she ever had. She was his constant companion and they brought so much joy to each other’s lives. His ability to recognize the true nature of one’s soul was not reserved to animals, but to human beings as well. Adam was passionate about helping the homeless in his community–offering not only monetary support but also his time. He volunteered at local homeless shelters and would go out of his way to improve the life of any homeless person he met–taking the time to get them something to eat or to buy them shoes and socks. But perhaps most importantly, he took the time to talk to them–treating them as a friend.
In many ways, that is what made Adam the truly unique person that he was. His ability to see and acknowledge the beauty and goodness in others, even when they couldn’t see it themselves. It didn’t matter whether he knew them for years or a few minutes–he made every life he touched better.
A private ceremony was held on Friday, December 3rd at the Albany Rural Cemetery. Attended by immediate family and his girlfriend, he was honored and laid to rest near his grandparents Elizabeth and Herbert Ford.
Memorial donations in Adam’s name may be made to the City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St, Schenectady, NY 12305. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit HansFuneralHome.com .
Pattie Shafer and Steve Laymon
We are relatives to Kaila Matatt. Although we only interacted with Adam for a short time on a visit, we are in constant contact with her and her family. We experienced the deep love and connection Kaila had with Adam and felt his depth of compassion in his response to her. He will be sorely missed in her life as well as each of his family members’ lives. Our most sincere condolences for the loss of this exceptional young man to all he called family, and offer our prayers for peaceful and loving memories to fill your days with his gift of being.
J Seph, Lin and Ethan DeMeo
Adam was such a fun, witty, and joyful person. His loss is so sad and tragic. All of our love to the family and he will always be remembered.
Susan Ford & the Krajkowski Family
Words can’t express the grief we feel for your loss. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Ames
We are so very sorry for your loss. Adam sounds like a wonderful person. We only met him at Brian and Stephanie’s wedding but can tell he is greatly loved and will be greatly missed. May God comfort and uphold you with His arms of love. Doug and Linda Ames
Barbara Baker
It was with shock and deep sadness that I learned today of Adam’ s passing. Praying that Marcia, Brad, Brian, Stefanie and all the Ford family and friends will find the comfort that they need so much right now. Remembering the great times Adam shared with our boys-after school snacks, making forts, hiking, and who can forget hockey.
Wish I could be there to hug all of you!
Barbara Baker(and Chris)
Johanne Thomas
Isn’t it the essence of Adam to volunteer tirelessly to help the unfortunate? All with his trademark sense of humor, adorable wry smile and service with the utmost dignity.
What a devastating loss not only to his dear loving family, but to the community he cared for as well.
My soul aches.
Job well done, Adam Richard. Now Rest In Peace. I love you!
Danielle Moberg
Dear Brad, Marcia, Brian, and Stefanie,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure living next to your family growing up, and Adam was such a great friend to me during those years. I have so many memories from the time I spent at your home, and going on adventures in the woods behind our houses. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. He was such a great person and he will be incredibly missed.
Sending love and prayers,
Danielle Moberg (Rutherford)
Kathy Lindsay
I worked closely with Adam at Regeneron. He was part of a group that I would come to affectionately refer to as “my Regeneron boys” and Adam was my “work husband” as he would more times than not get stuck with me for long hours in the process area. From a work relationship a perhaps unlikely friendship given our age gap, outside of work, was born. He spoke fondly of family dinners, gaming with his brother, his niece and Charlie- he shared pictures when he was born and Charlie even made an appearance at one of our all you can eat wing outings, and of course his latest hike with Amber among other things. He was a kind soul with a wicked sense of humor. We laughed often and hard. I am so completely grateful that I was part of his journey and he was part of mine- and I am proud to call him my friend. He is loved and so sorely missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.
Sincerely
Kathy Lindsay