Thomas M. Ford ’74

On May 11, 2002, the class lost a compassionate and caring friend, and a dedicated family man, when Tom Ford died suddenly of heart failure.

Born in Baltimore, Tom came to Princeton from Princeton HS. Tom's best friend before, during, and after Princeton was his high school sweetheart, Patricia "Tri" Harding, whom he married while at Princeton.

After graduation, Tom earned his PhD from the U. of Delaware in 1979, and completed a year of postdoctoral study at Purdue U. Tom went on to establish his career as a research chemist at the DuPont Co.'s Experimental Station, where he was granted several patents for his discoveries. In his spare time, Tom was an accomplished musician, demonstrating his skills as a pianist, guitarist, and vocalist, and also was an avid golf and tennis player.

Tom is survived by Tri; his children Thomas Jr., Frank, Michael, Marianne, Carolyn, Emily, and Catherine; six grandchildren; his parents, Burton '44 and Carolyn; and his brothers, Chip '66 and Rick '68. The class extends its deepest sympathy to the entire Ford family.

The Class of 1974