Eugene “Gene” Ford

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Eugene “Gene” Ford

  • July 24, 1949 - May 21, 2025

Eugene Francis Ford, 75, passed away suddenly on May 21st while tending to the grounds of his beloved St. Philip’s Byzantine Catholic Church.

Born in an Air Force family on July 24, 1949 in Binghamton, NY, he was the fourth of five children of Lt. Colonel John and Anne Ford (deceased).  The family transferred one last time to Mather Air Force Base in 1959, and Gene resided in Sacramento since. Gene is survived by his siblings, John Ford III, Miriam Cervetti (Rick), Richard Ford (Maureen, deceased) and Monica Small (Michael).

An ordained Byzantine Catholic Cantor, Gene was an active and engaged member of the St. Philip’s community for many years.

Gene received his Bachelors of Arts degree cum laude in 1971 from UC Santa Barbara and, in 2000, obtained a Masters of Arts in Educational Administration from California State University Sacramento. Book-ending a full career as a teacher for the Sacramento City Unified School District, Gene served as a Field Representative for Congressman Robert Matsui for several years.   Gene was also a studio teacher for the acting community in the Sacramento Valley region.

Gene was passionate about the arts, especially music, singing, and painting.   His love for travel included a safari in Africa, climbing a portion of Kilimanjaro, time in Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands, China, and the Holy Land, to name a few.

Gene was particularly endeared to his nieces and nephews Scott Templeton, Ryan Cervetti (Tracie), Anne-Marie Solorio (Steve), Aileen Ford (Balam), Gregory Small (Brittne), and Emily Smallson (Brian).

All are welcome to a viewing at 5 to 6 pm on June 11th at St. Philip’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 3866 65th Street, Sacramento, followed immediately by a vigil service.  Additional viewing is available 9 am on June 12th, in the Church. The funeral liturgy commences at 10 am. A reception follows the liturgy service between 11:30 am and 1 pm at the church.  The Committal Service will be at 2 pm at Calvary Cemetery, 7101 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights, CA 95621.