Ilion - Mr. Stanley L. Ford, age 93, of Ilion, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer.

Stanley was born on January 21, 1933, in Ilion, a son of the late Mildred Mable Hadsell and Harry Ford. He was educated in Ilion schools and graduated with the Class of 1951.

Following graduation, Stanley honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1952 until 1956. After his military service, he began a long and dedicated career with GE Aerospace in Utica, where he worked for many years in their Engineering Department.

Stanley was married to Lois Kennell, and together they built a loving family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his family was the center of his life.

Stan is survived by his beloved children, Lesley Burger and her husband Lance of Ilion; Jeffrey Ford and his wife Rose of Lawton, OK; Kathleen Smith and her husband Lawrence of Jacksonville, FL; Andrea Seaton and her husband Glenn of Ilion; and Julie Stone and her husband Dave of Ilion. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Lance Burger Jr. and his wife Amy of Ilion, Jordan Burger of Rome, Megan Robinson and her husband Travis of Ilion, Lawrence Smith Jr. and his wife Hannah of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Gabrielle Smith of Jacksonville, FL, Cassey Seaton and his wife Kassie of Davis, CA, Emily Seaton of Chadwicks, Benjamin Stone and his wife, Nastasia of Frankfort, Camryn Stone of Ilion, and Nolan Stone of Lafayette; great-grandchildren, Katelyn Burger, Bradyn Burger, Jax, Knox, Hunter, Harper Robinson, and Ellis Smith.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Donald Ford and Mable Scott.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, NY 13357. Services will be held privately at the convenience of his family. Stan will be laid to rest in Cedarville Cemetery, later in the spring.

To leave condolences for Stan's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com