Wilfred Kelley Ford

With profound sadness, the family announces the passing of Wilfred Kelley Ford on July 19, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. Born on December 6, 1939, in Berkshire, New York, to Winifred Kelley and John Rewey Ford. On September 30, 1966, Wilfred married Charlotte J. Buckwalter, who preceded Wilfred in death on December 19, 2023. 

After graduating from Newark Valley High School, Wilfred attended Ranger School in Wanakena, New York, and was drafted into the U.S. Army on June 24, 1963, serving as a Military Intelligence Specialist. Before military service, Wilfred worked for the Asplundh Tree Company, helping install telephone poles across the United States. 

Farming shaped Wilfred from an early age. Beginning on a small family farm in Berkshire, New York, Wilfred later spent time assisting in the local post office, where Wilfred’s father served as Postmaster General. After a twenty‑year career as an internal investigator for retail stores, Wilfred returned to agricultural life on a small farm in McConnellsburg Pennsylvania, running a country store, raising pigs, selling berries, sowing an extraordinary organic garden, being an active Master Gardener, and hosting memorable end‑of‑summer garden celebrations for many years.  

As a gifted and legendary storyteller, enthusiastic gardener, reader, Democrat, and steadfast family member, Wilfred cultivated meaningful connections within the community. Time spent with fellow volunteer gardeners at the Mt. Lebanon Library brought joy, and the neighborhood held a special place in Wilfred’s heart. Acts of kindness and support were offered generously and often. 

Wilfred is survived by sibling Justine Brandes; children John R (Erin) Ford, Philip A (Elizabeth Weller) Ford, Genevieve (Philip) Harper, Kathryn (Preston Carey) Ford, and Charlotte (Joseph Ortego) Ford; grandchildren Erin C (Thomas) Glenn, Brittany A Ford, Mark A King, Connor T (Marrianne) Ford, Daniel K (Joanne) Ford, Cecelia Harper, Joseph Wowczuk, Bella Ortego, Emily Harper, and Eva Wowczuk; and great‑grandchildren Danica, Heath, Jeremiah, and Gwendolyn. The extended family includes a remarkable number of sisters‑ and brothers‑in‑law, nieces, and nephews who brought great joy over the years. 

Wilfred was preceded in death by spouse of 57 years, Charlotte, and brothers‑in‑law Gus Brandes and Philip L. Buckwalter. 

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center and the H. John Heinz III Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center for all of their compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Lebanon Library. www.mtlebanonlibrary.org  

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 12, 2026 in the Pittsburgh area.