Stephen M. Ford of Billerica, formerly of Boston, Ipswich and Somerville. Beloved son of the late Francis M. and the late Marguerite G. (O'Connell). Brother of the late Billerica Selectman Paul F. Ford. Cousin to Jennifer Ford and her loving partner Owen O'Neill. Godfather and uncle of Kayla and Haley Ford Spellenberg. Stephen was a graduate of Billerica Memorial High School. He graduated from Bentley University where he received his BS degree in Accountancy. In 1977, Stephen entered the LaSalette Seminary in Ipswich, MA. During this time he pursued and received a BA degree in Philosophy from Merrimack College in North Andover. In 1981, Stephen entered the LaSalette Novitiate in Pawtucket, RI and professed his first vows of religious life in July of 1982. Stephen then entered the LaSalette House of Theology in Cambridge, MA. During this time Stephen pursued and received a Master of Divinity degree from the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, MA. He also had completed his studies for an MBA in Church Management from the Graduate Theological Institute in Indiana.

In August 1985 Stephen professed his Perpetual Vows and was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate by Bishop Alfred C. Hughes at the National Shrine of Our Lady of LaSalette in Ipswich, MA. Where he served as a Deacon. In May 1986 Stephen was ordained to the Priesthood at the National Shrine by Bishop Daniel Hart now Bishop of the Norwich Diocese of Norwich, CT. Stephen served at the National Shrine in the Capacity of Treasurer-Administrator and later as Treasurer-Superior until he took a leave of absence from his religious community. While on leave Stephen pursued his accounting career and was employed as Controller for Facing History and Ourselves, Inc. in Brookline, MA, a not-for-profit international educational organization dealing with issues of racism, discrimination and democracy until his retirement.

After his brother's death Stephen Served as the Treasurer of the Late Paul F. Ford Memorial Scholarship Committee until 2000. It was Stephen's request that his funeral arrangements be of complete Simplicity. At the request of Stephen, there will be a memorial service held on Tuesday, November 14th at Woodlawn Chapel at 11:00AM, 302 Elm St., Everett, MA. His remains will be cremated, and burial will be private.

He left his cousin, Jennifer Ford to be in charge of his arrangements in conjunction with the Doherty Funeral Services of Somerville, MA. Those who wish may donate in Stephen's memory to a charity of their choice or to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 209 W. Central St., Natick, MA 01760 or to LaSalette Faith Community, PO Box 210, Topsfield, MA 01983. Your thoughtfulness and generosity is gratefully appreciated.