Annette (Gelo) Ford

Annette (Gelo) Ford, 85, of Chenango Bridge, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. She was born in Johnson City, New York, on December 15, 1940 to John and Helen Gelo.

Annette is survived by her loving husband, Robert, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage; her sons, Michael and Thomas Ford, and twin daughters Jennifer Boburka (John) and Michele Hannon (Darren); six grandchildren, Derek Ford, Zachary Ford, Sara and Jay Boburka, and Ryan and Kylee Hannon; two great-grandchildren, Hailey and Cameron Ford; brother, Donald Gelo; brother-in-law, Michael Schoonmaker and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her son, David Ford; her sister, Loretta Schoonmaker; and sisters-in-law, Lorraine Gelo, Helen Blythe (Jerry), Geraldine Majewski (Alfred), and Eileen Seibold.

Annette graduated from Johnson City High School and later attended cosmetology school. In her earlier years, she was well known for making door-to-door visits to style the hair of many of her favorite clients/friends in Johnson City and also worked as a hair stylist from her home. Once her children were grown, she decided to work outside the home for several years at Ramp Industries and Felchar Manufacturing, where she met many wonderful people and formed lasting friendships.

Annette had a strong faith and was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Binghamton. She enjoyed many things in life.  The greatest joy in her life was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an extremely devoted mother who loved and cared for each of her children unconditionally throughout her life.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She loved babysitting them, watching their activities, hearing about their adventures, visiting with them and simply seeing them grow.  She also loved bowling, fishing, and was especially known for her amazing cooking and baking, sharing many of her best recipes with friends and family.

Some of her most cherished memories were the many family vacations to Walt Disney World, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Tioga Downs, and the many years spent visiting her son David and grandson Derek in Lake George, New York.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 19 from 9:00 am to 9:50 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1031 Chenango St., Binghamton.  A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 10:00 am. Burial will take place in Holy Spirit Cemetery at a later time.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Mercy House of the Southern Tier for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Ave., Endicott, NY 13760.

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