Annette "Gelo" Ford

Annette (Gelo) Ford, 85, of Chenango Bridge, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. Born in Johnson City, New York, on December 15, 1940, she was the daughter of John and Helen Gelo.

Annette shared 63 years of marriage with her loving husband, Robert. She is survived by her sons, Michael and Thomas Ford; her 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; her brother, Donald Gelo; her brother-in-law, Michael Schoonmaker; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her son, David Ford; her sister, Loretta Schoonmaker; and her sisters-in-law, Lorraine Gelo, Helen Blythe (Jerry), Geraldine Majewski (Alfred), and Eileen Seibold.

A graduate of Johnson City High School, Annette later trained in cosmetology. In her younger years she was known throughout Johnson City for making house calls to style the hair of cherished clients and friends, and she also operated a home-based styling business. After her children were grown, she worked for several years at Ramp Industries and Felchar Manufacturing, where she built many lasting friendships. A woman of deep faith, she was a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Binghamton.

Above all, Annette’s greatest joy was her family. A devoted mother who loved her children unconditionally, she took special delight in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every opportunity to babysit, attend their activities, hear their stories, and watch them grow. She loved bowling and fishing, and she was widely admired for her exceptional cooking and baking, generously sharing her favorite recipes with family and friends. Among her most treasured times were the family vacations to Walt Disney World, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and Tioga Downs, as well as the many happy years spent visiting her son David and grandson Derek in Lake George, New York.