Cdr. David A. Ford, U.S.N., Ret.

Loving Husband, Father, Friend, and Volunteer

David Alexander Ford (74) of Bloomsburg died on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, unexpectedly in his home, held by his beloved wife Nancy.

Born in Oakland, CA on July 21, 1950, he was the son of the late Commander (USN) Robert Gordon and Patricia Kate (Gessell) Ford.

A 1968 graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School in Haddonfield, NJ, Dave obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Psychology from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA in 1972. He was a brother in the Delta Phi fraternity. He went on to obtain two Master’s Degrees while in the Navy.

Dave proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 20+ years, from 1973 to 1993. He served as a Commander (O-5) in the Naval supply corps, with stations abroad in Naples, Italy and Subic Bay, Philippines. Following his military service, Dave moved to Bloomsburg to join his wife Nancy in 1993. He worked at Dillon Floral for 6 years as the head of Accounts Receivable. From 2000 to 2017, he was a financial advisor with Oppenheimer & Co.

Dave embodied the phrase “service above self.” As a dedicated member of the First English Baptist Church of Bloomsburg, he sang in the church choir, and volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Lay Moderator. He was also an active member of the Rotary Club of Bloomsburg since 1995 – serving as Club President in 2000-2001, Assistant District Governor for five years, and later as District Governor from 2015-2016. He was Membership Chair for more than 20 years.

Dave’s hobbies included eating too much good food, often asking “are you going to eat that?”, vacationing with family each year in Ocean City, NJ, and participating in recreational activities like golf, tennis, ping pong, cards, and board games. He always enjoyed cheering for the Phillies and Eagles with friends. A lifelong salesman, Dave was never happier than when helping people achieve their goals. Later in life, he enjoyed taking piano lessons and learning Italian. Dave’s love of travel took him to all 50 states and to over 40 countries!

Dave was a dedicated husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Gentile Ford of Bloomsburg, with whom he celebrated 31 years of marriage. Also surviving is his daughter Miranda Kate (Ford) Brooks and husband Bryan of San Luis Obispo, CA, and his sister, Robin Kate Ford, of Fernley, NV. Extended family includes Rotary Exchange “daughters” Hannah (Australia) and Eleanora (Italy), in-laws Jacquelyn Gentile (94), of Warminster, PA and Frank and Lorrie Gentile of Mt. Gretna, PA. Dave also leaves behind two beloved Westies, Abigail and McKinley.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 14th at the First English Baptist Church, 700 Millville Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. Visitation at 1:00 P.M., memorial service at 2:00 P.M., followed by light refreshments. Military Honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy.

Friends may remember Dave by contributing to the Bloomsburg Rotary Club, P.O. Box 842, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or to the First English Baptist Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.