Michael Jeffrey Ford was born on August 17, 1964, in Knoxville, Tennessee. At a young age he began expressing his passion for music by joining the children’s choir at church.  While he also played trumpet and was a competitive swimmer in high school, he eventually gave those up to focus on singing. He went on to study music at Austin Peay State University and later earned a master’s degree in music from the University of Maryland.

Michael will be forever remembered by the local music community, not only for his performing brilliance and versatility, but as a deeply caring and genuine individual, full of true compassion for and interest in each person with whom he interacted. He served as tenor section leader and soloist at the National Presbyterian Church for more than 10 years.

His 29-year military singing career began in 1989 when he joined the Navy Sea Chanters. He “jumped ship” to join The U.S. Army Chorus in 1995 where he retired in 2018 as a Master Sergeant. Throughout his military singing career, he performed for presidents and world leaders in such prestigious venues as the White House, Kennedy Center, Music Center at Strathmore, and Carnegie Hall.

Michael had a special vocal versatility that made him a dynamic soloist and ensemble singer. An accomplished harmonica player as well, he frequently accompanied the Army Chorus, and his performances with the Bluegrass ensemble on American Holiday Festival concerts at DAR Constitution Hall were legendary.

His civilian performing career included solo appearances with many Washington, DC-area music organizations, including the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Bach Consort, and the Paul Hill Chorale where he met his wife Silvia. Other groups with which he performed and recorded include Brethren, the Woodley Ensemble, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

A friend to many, Michael enjoyed talking to people and had a wonderful memory for small details that made for great conversations. He loved to work on DIY projects, he loved to fish, and enjoyed family vacations to New Hampshire in the summer and Tennessee at Christmastime. A loving husband to Silvia Calonje Ford for 24 years, he also leaves behind his beloved daughter Cecilia and son Dominic.

Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 2 to 4 p.m. Memorial Service at National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 3 p.m. Graveside Service and Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Michael J. Ford Memorial Fund, 5605 Kirkwood Dr., Bethesda, MD 20816.