Robert ‘Bob’ Charles Ford II, 73, of Melbourne, Florida, Passed Away Peacefully Sept. 15 Surrounded by Loving Family
By Space Coast Daily // September 17, 2026
Services set for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Melbourne on Saturday, September 26
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Robert “Bob” Charles Ford II, 73, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 15, 2026. Bob was born on June 23, 1953, in Kokomo, IN, to Robert “Bob” and Betty (Young) Ford.
He was the last of four children and was survived by his three sisters, Dixie (Butch) Lieurance and Connie (Ray) Ackerman of Palm Bay, and Penelope (James) Martin of Melbourne. Bob graduated from Haworth High School in 1971, where he ran cross country.
After high school, he attended Indiana University of Kokomo, where he met his beloved wife, Ann, from Bedford, IN.
From there, he attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1975.
Ann passed away unexpectedly in 2021, just days shy of their 45th wedding anniversary.
They had three children: Aimee Adele, Amanda Brooke, and Dr. Robert “Bobby” Charles III. In 1977, they moved to Melbourne, FL, where they raised their family.
Bob attained his Master’s of Science in Business Management from Florida Tech in 1983.
He began his career at Harris in 1977, where he worked in defense contracts. Over the years, he held executive positions with DRS, GE, and Alstom, and retired in 2023.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty; his in-laws, Doyle and Adele Cobb; and his wife, Ann.
He is survived by daughters Aimee (Dave) Larkin, Amanda (Shannon) Sturgil; son Bobby (Holly) Ford; grandchildren Madison Ann-Adele (Brandon) Whitlock (27), Christian Kai Reeves (Paris) Whitlock (24), Shaelen Louise Whitlock (20), Skylar Ashley Sturgil (16), Brooklyn Ann Sturgil (16), Laken Frances Whitlock (12), Abigail Rose Ford (11), Charlotte Elizabeth Ford (10), Robert “Charlie” Charles Ford IV (8); great-grandchildren Jesiah Matey (8), Roman Ford (5), Declan Joseph (7 months), Chloe Noelle (6), and another on the way.
Bob had many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, three aunts in their 90s, and lifelong best friends, all of whom were very special to him. Along with his two “boys” as he called them, Tuxedo and Levi.
Bob was always making someone laugh with his dry humor, quick wit, and sarcasm.
He loved his Indiana basketball, most recently Indiana Football, “Go Hoosiers,” ’70s music, John Cougar Mellencamp, road trips, a cold beer, golf, and quality time spent making everyone laugh with his family and friends.
