DEARBORN – Your multigenerational family stories continue to inspire and move all of us. We will continue to post them on @Ford Online each week. We hope you look forward to reading them.
Sara Tatchio, Employee Communications
Posted Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011
By: Rebecca Culvan
My father, Giovanni Culvan, started working at Ford in the 60s after he immigrated from Italy to Germany. Back then Ford headhunters were looking for suitable employees in Italy and asked him whether he would be interested in joining them. He was working in a garage
nearby Cividale del Friuli in the North of Italy where he was also born. Without knowing the German language he decided to start all over in Germany, so he finally took a train to Cologne to start his life's adventure. The only thing he was carrying was a little suitcase filled with some clothes and of course, a big loaf of cheese in order not to starve from hunger as his mother heavily insisted to take it along. In the beginning he was living in a small apartment in the heart of Cologne which he shared with other Italian colleagues. He told us that it was pretty difficult at the start due to the fact that he had to study the language and moreover, adapt to the German culture. However, he was really happy to have found a well-paid job in a large company, even if it was in a foreign country far away from his family and friends. Later on he met my mother, a young and gorgeous German woman, he married her some time after that, got children with her and built a nice house outside of Cologne. He worked for 38 1/2 years at Ford in Niehl and lives in Overath nearby Cologne. He is now a Ford retiree and never stops talking about "the company" and all its benefits and lucky moments he had there. I always remember the times, when my mom was working and she couldn't prepare us lunch, that he brought us food from the Ford canteen. He used to say that it "is the best food he could ever imagine". Well, as children we thought otherwise, but we would never have told him to keep him happy. As he was and still is so passionate about Ford and its entire ideology I also started looking for a job at Ford after I finished my studies. During my studies I had the chance to work for 1 month in the area of logistics and I liked the idea of getting part of the company at some point of time. Via a supplier I then got a chance to actually start working at the Ford Design Studio in Merkenich. Just yesterday I changed jobs within our department. I am now working as a Budget Analyst in the Design Business Office and I am really looking forward to this new challenge. However, there is unfortunately still no possibility to be directly employed by Ford as times obviously have changed and chances are very slim to get hired permanently. I am working in this company for nearly four years now and I also would like to tell my children the same stories my father enthusiastically told me and my brother. I hope that one day this dream will come true and I will be able to ask my children as my father regularly does: "How's the company?"
By: Richard Bryant
It is a pleasure to share that I am the third generation of a Ford multigenerational family as both my grandfather and father worked for Ford. My grandfather worked as a Millwright starting in the 1920s. My father joined Ford as a teenage student in the Henry Ford Trade School as did his brother. Upon completion of his studies as a trade school student, my father began working at the Rouge as an Apprentice Tool and Die Maker. Both my grandfather and father retired from Ford after completing years of continuous service. I am now in my 48th year of service as an employee where I am now working in IT. Nine other family members have also worked for Ford over the years, bringing the total to 13 employees over 4 generations. In addition, my son works for the WPP Team Detroit advertising agency working on the Ford account including www.ford.com and www.lincoln.com where he shares the family history of contributing to and being excited about Ford products.
By: Steven Cook
My Grandfather: Gear and Axle Plant doing cutting grinder ( sharpening all the tools used in the plant) -- Worked from 1920 - 1965. My Father: Employed Jan. 1957 to Dec. 2001; started off in the Lincoln Mercury Pre-Production Printing Dept. (SG2) and left as Special Order Act. Supervisor (SG09) My Step-Mother: Started in July 1971 and retired in March 2007. Hired in as SG 1 - Adm. working for 4 supervisor's & 80 engineers in the Research Lab. Left as a SG 09 as a Finance IT Business Planner & Supervisor. Me: Hired July 1987 into Ford Credit as Customer Service Representative now working in Ford Finance Product Development.
By: Fern Kugelman
When we moved from Canada in 1947, my dad applied for a job at the Dearborn Specialty Foundry for which he was hired. My uncle had already been working at ford motor for several years before that. People would ask if they had seen England and the reply
was ''No, I’ve never been there'', they meant have you seen my dad by the last name of England. Then on February 1, 1957, I was hired to work at the Rouge Office Building as a secretary, from there I was hired to work at body engineering building where I met several friends who also worked there, to this day we are still friends.
I was then promoted to work for the manufacturing manager at the Woodhaven Stamping Plant. My boss and I worked from a trailer until the plant was built. I retired from there in 1967.
While at body engineering, my sister applied for a job and was also hired, she worked there about 10 years.
My dad had several friends who also worked at the Rouge plants in different capacities.
By: Cliff Crompton
I have always been proud that our family was a Ford family.
My grandfather, Samuel Askew, came over from England and worked for Ford at the Rouge plant until he retired about 1948. My uncle, William (Bill) Crompton, was a supervisor in Paints and Oils at the Rouge Plant, his son Bill Crompton Jr. was a fireman at the Rouge Plant.
My dad, Thomas S. Crompton, was a Job Setter on screw machines at the Rouge Plant and later the Indianapolis Plant. I retired as a Interior trim Engineer from the Dearborn Design Center on Oakwood Blvd. My brother Roy V. Crompton retired as a Buyer in the Purchasing area. Presently our son, Todd J. Crompton is an Emissions Engineer with Ford Motor Company. That makes our family a four generational family with Ford, I believe Ford is in our blood pretty thick!
Posted Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011
By: Rita Charvat
We (Rita Charvat, Martha Nefcy, Barney Nefcy and Joan Nefcy) are from a multi-generational Ford family. Our grandfather, father and our uncle worked at Ford. We (my brother, sister, and sister-in-law) currently work at Ford. We were from a large family of 14 kids and were featured in the Ford World Magazine in 1967 or 1968 (Girard Nefcy) when we lived in 2 houses in Detroit, one house was not big enough.
By: Luigi Folino
My grandfather, father and I had 108 years of combined service as of March 13, 2011. We are very proud to say there has been a Folino on the Ford payroll since 1922, 89 years of consecutive service. Listed below is my family's employment history: Grandfather - Luigi (Louie) Folino. Immigrated from Italy via Ellis Island. Went to Michigan looking for automotive work. Started with Ford in Highland Park - Assembly Line -1922. Transferred to the Northville Valve Plant in 1923. Line Worker, retired in 1960, 38 Years with Ford. Father-Steve J. Folino, Started with Ford on December 6, 1946, Started in Highland Park in the Billing Department, Retired at National Parts Depot - Livonia (Order Processing Supervisor, FPSD, now PS&L), Retired on February 1, 1995, 48 Years with Ford. Luigi (Lou) B. Folino, Started with Ford on March 13, 1989, I celebrated 22 years this year.
By: Douglas Thiele
Both my dad, Allen Thiele, and my brother, Chris Thiele, work at Ford with me. Our grandfather, Lester Thiele, also worked at Ford until his retirement in 1982. Dad was hired in 1977, and worked at Ford Tractor, the Van Dyke plant, and now works as a project manager. Chris works in IT. Dad wanted me to mention that he's actually a Project Management Analyst.
By: Stephenie Jakubowski
We a definitely a multigenerational Ford family. My father, Alex Papp work for Ford for over 40 years. He started out as an inspector in Dearborn and retired from the Rouge Office Building. My older brother, Ron Papp worked at Woodhaven Stamping for 35 years, and younger brother, John Papp is a welder repair currently working at Wayne, after transferring from Woodhaven, with over 20 years. I work at Woodhaven Stamping with almost 15 years. Before starting at Woodhaven my sister and I worked at a Ford Dealership for 12 years. We are definitely a Ford Family with over 100 years with the company. My hopes are in the future to have my son-in-law also join the Ford family and add to our years with Ford Woodhaven Stamping Plant.
By: Peter Palajac
I have to verify some of the exact dates but: My grandfather Peter Palajac Sr. worked in the Rouge plant from Approximately 1933 -1965 when he retired. My Father Peter Palajac Jr. worked in Ford Chassis Engineering from About 1952 - 1986 when he retired. As for myself Peter A. Palajac, I have been working at Ford since 1988.
By: Linda Schmalz
My family has a great multigenerational history of working at Ford. My father, Michael Lotito, 41 years of service in Parts and Service retired in 1995. My husband, Larry Schmalz, 35 years of service in Global Paint Engineering retired in 2007. My father-in-law, Arnold Schmalz, 42 years of service in Research and Innovation Center retired in 2001. My stepson, Gary Schmalz, currently working at Saline Plant. My stepson, Shawn Schmalz, currently working at Dearborn Truck Plant. My brother, Edward Lotito, currently working in Information Technology. Myself, Linda Schmalz currently working in Materials Engineering.
By: Mickey Kennedy
My dad, Luther Kennedy worked at the Rouge plant in the early 50s and there he received his 50th anniversary book and a story within describing the newly opened Cleveland facilities. He later left Ford for a couple years and then hired in 1959 at the Cleveland Casting Plant. My brother-in-law and two of his brothers worked at the Cleveland location. My brother worked for 38 yrs at this location and retired as a maint. welder (Bob Kennedy). I hired in as a pipefitter appr. in 1965 and was a maintenance supervisor in the environmental dept. and retired in 2005 (Mickey Kennedy). My wife Toni worked in the casting plant before retiring in 1988. We are not as profound as the Payne family but quite a few will miss the casting plant. there are many memories within those walls.
By: Jack Gergel
My name is Jack Gergel and I am proud to be a Ford salaried retiree with 39.5 years of service in Information Technology. My father, John, also was a long term Ford Salaried employee. He was an Engineering Analyst in the Dearborn area. My son, Mike, is presently a Ford salaried employee, working in security operations in Dearborn. My step-daughter, Jill, is also an engineer in Dearborn. My brother, Bill, works in Information Technology, in Dearborn. My sister, Pat, and her husband are also salaried retirees. And, I have a number of cousins, who are active employees, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who also worked and retired from Ford Motor. One of my childhood memories is of my dad regularly emphasizing the value and benefits of a career at Ford at family dinners. I managed to pass on that to the next generation, and I have observed my children talking about Ford careers and products with their children. I hope to someday see one or more of my 13 grandchildren as a part of the Ford family.
By: Lee Shelton
My grandfather, Robert Cantellow, worked at the Dagenham plant when it took over the company Briggs who he also worked for. My father, Paul Shelton, worked in the Dagenham plant holding various roles eventually retiring from his final position in the receiving bay Gate 18/28 I think. My Cousin/God parent, Eric Lowis, worked in the Dagenham plant then moved to Basildon working on the tractors. My uncles, Michael O'Connell and Les Carlton, worked in the Dagenham plant along with my aunt, Joan O'Connell, who was a machinist. Now, I'm currently working for Ford Credit in Warley.
Posted Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011
By: Ken Maltby
My family has been working at Ford Motor company since 1915 in the Highland Park plant. Following is breakdown of family members: John Orlowski (Orlaski) 1915 - 1950's Highland Park plant, Rouge plant (Brick mason Foreman); (Great Grandfather) Lawrence H Maltby 1930's - 1968? Rouge Plant; (Grandfather) John Orlaski (Orr) 1933 - 1975 Rouge Steel Mill; (Great Uncle) Henry Harrison 1950's - 1970's Rouge Plant; (Grandfather) Lawrence J Maltby 1956 - 1995 Body Engineering; Kenneth Maltby 1988 - Current Body Engineering.
By: Ken Long
Several members of my family have worked for Ford Motor Company in the past: Bernice Howard Long (my father) retired from Ford back in 1977 (passed away in 1999). He went by a number of names: B. Howard Long, Howard, or by his nickname Shorty. He worked at what we used to call the small glass house (Ford Division General Office - FDGO at Southfield and Rotunda). Gerald W. Long (my brother) worked for 30+ years at the Wayne Assembly Plant (passed away in 2003). He liked working on the line while I liked working in the office (although I did work several summers back in the 70s at Wayne Assembly building the Ford LTD and the Michigan Truck Plant building the Ford Bronco). I'm showing my age! William (Bill) Long (my cousin). Bill, who's from Tennessee, actually lived with us (here in Michigan) back in the 70's while attending college. He started at Ford via a co-op program. When he retired (not exactly sure what year), he was a VP at Ford Glass.
By: Dan York
I am from a long line of Ford family employees. My grandfather (Ruben York) worked for Fordson Coal Co.(owned by Henry Ford) in the early 1930's. Retiring from the coal mines in Eastern Kentucky and moving to Michigan. He hired in at the Sterling plant and worked approximately 10 years retiring at age 70.
Members of my family who worked at Ford Sterling/Van Dyke plants from 1950 to the present time: My father Cecil York - 30 years; Myself Dan York - 36 years; Howard York(my uncle) - 30 years; Cliff York - 30 years; Tim York - 30 years and still working; Alvin York (my brother) - one year; Dave York (my brother)- 2 years; John Paul York (my uncle) - 2 years; Donald York (my uncle) 40 years; William David York (my uncle) - 30 years; Lynn York -5 years (approx.); Gracie York -5 years (approx.); Kimble Mounts (my uncle) - 30 years; Gary Mounts - 5 years (approx.); John Wallen (my uncle)-30 years; Johnny Wallen (son) 20 years; Bobbie Wallen (son) 5 years (approx.); Brenda Moran (my sister)- 30 years ; Charles Ahfield (my brother-in-law) -30 years; Jack Austin (my father-in-law) -10 years FOR A COLLECTIVE TOTAL OF 400 + YEARS. Ford was loyal to our family and we returned the loyalty by purchasing Ford products throughout these years.
By: Ann Marie Slicker
I grew up Ford Blue and knowing that Quality and the Customer are JOB 1. A few members of my immediate family have worked here at Ford over the years; a handful more of my relatives (an Uncle, Aunt, a couple of cousins) have worked here (or with us as suppliers), as well. I've been fortunate to travel the World of Ford during my career and have many close friends in our operations around the globe - tied now because we are Ford Family, because of shared experiences and bonds like having your Maid of Honor at your Michigan wedding fly in from England, flying from work in Sweden to join a crew of colleagues in England who are throwing you a 40th birthday bash, by having close friends of you and your father escort his body home from England when he died…As for many, Ford is a part of my family, I bleed Ford Blue. In my immediate family, chronologically from the eldest: Cecelia A. Brenda - my maternal grandmother, after my grandfather died in 1966 she went to work as a sewer at the Utica Trim plant, she retired in the mid-80's. Ralph F. Klimek - my father, he started work at Ford Tractor at the age of 19 and then soon moved to Trans & Chassis at Ford Motor, he retired at 30+ years in 1997 but soon came back as a supplemental employee to help finish the global launch of the CMMS3 application in MP&L, he died while on travel to FoE/Dunton in May of 1999, he was one of the founders of the WERS system (the rep for Axle/Driveline) - a system that I ended up working with and supporting the majority of my career here at Ford (it was being developed during my last couple of years of High School, I remember my Dad coming home and talking about it over dinner - he was so excited to be part of the team that was building the first truly global system within Ford; years later he and I would talk over WERS related work and issues over the same dinner table, I still regularly "run into him" here at work - tripping over his user id on records in WERS and CMMS3, smile). Ann Marie (Klimek) Slicker - I began work at Ford as a purchased service vendor in May of 1993, I became a Ford employee in May of 1998.
By: Kate Rayner
I have worked for Ford Credit for over 15 years. My dad worked for Ford / Ford Credit for 33 years. We crossed over for a couple of years before he retired. Around that time my brother and his partner joined Jaguar Land Rover so until JLR was sold there was up to 4 members of the family working for the company. I grew up in Billericay whilst dad worked in Warley, but my baby days were spent in Detroit whilst he did his 2 year IS assignment in Dearborn. They were happy days. We're a Ford family through and through. When we all get together there are as many as 6 Ford's on the drive!
By: Lisa Mikolajewski
My father worked for Ford for 25 years, retired on December 22nd, December 27th of the same year got asked to be the equipment manager for the United States Olympic Hockey Team and he then traveled the world. What a life :) My father's name was Eugene Barcikoski and retired out of the Woodhaven Stamping Plant. I'd have to dig up more information if you’re interested. I've worked here at Ford for 19 years.
By: Simon Darney
When I started working at Ford about 4 years ago my Nan told me that my Great-Great-Uncle John Charles and his family emigrated to America at some point. Several of them worked for Henry Ford but John in particular received a special assignment: to tend Henry Ford’s roses This is an excerpt from my great Aunt's letters: John Charles started work as a boy in market gardening. He worked for large green houses in Chelsea and specialized in fruit trees. Father used to make his own beer (in US). He worked for Ford's and when Henry Ford saw his beautiful English roses he asked him to tend his own garden (we aren't sure if this was at Henry Ford's house or outside the Ford plantation). "My dad never spoke of his family. I knew his sister, Lizzie, and that his mother was blind but my grandparents died years before I was born - except my mother's father who died when I was about 12.
By: Edward Meszaros
I started at Building 3 on the Research and Engineering campus for my first day on the job, in April of 2003. I had to pinch myself on that day, to make sure I wasn't dreaming….and every now and then, I still have to give myself a pinch! Prior to coming to Ford, I worked on nearly every competitors vehicle that you could think of - whether domestic, European, or Asian. I designed some of their tooling, designed some of their products, but deep down, I always felt a strange guilt that I was doing work for the `other guys' (I'll say the 'other guys' instead of the 'bad guys). I came from a "Ford" family….and I was a "Ford" guy…the guy who, although working on a Camaro, had a Mustang parked outside the office. The guy that would get into arguments with all my buddies driving Chevy's or Honda's - telling them why Ford made the best cars, and was the best company in the world…..my blood ran blue. The only problem was - I wasn't working on any Ford products….and that really bugged me. That changed with a phone call in early 2003. At that time, I was a senior designer with a great wage, a company car, a management opportunity forming quickly on the horizon, and three design patent filings….I also had a lucrative job offer from a giant Tier 1 supplier as a Project Manager in their Asian Program office. When the offer came through to work onsite at Ford, I didn't have to think long or hard on that decision. I jumped at it! Looking back in hindsight, at some of the things I lost out on (two of the three patent filings as an example, wage cuts…etc)….I ask myself, would I make the same decision now, as I did back in 2003. Absolutely! There is more to life than just material gain. Daily satisfaction, love of your work, and love of your company rate very high in my book. When I'm just as happy on a Sunday night, as I was on a Friday afternoon…that tells me that I made the right decision. I love and treasure my time with my family and friends…but, strangely enough, I also look forward to a Monday morning. The Ford Motor Company has provided my family over the past three generations with a wonderful standard of living. It doesn't owe me a thing….instead, I feel very indebted to it. I love this company. Some may be here because it's just a job….I can honestly say that I'm here because I truly want to be here. And, yes, I do still pinch myself as I'm walking past that Blue Oval outside the PDC!
By: Kelly Shubert
I am third gen Ford employee - One Grandfather worked for the Rouge, in Production - one for Wayne, as a Millwright - an Uncle that started at the Rouge then to Lavonia Trans, as a Machinist - an Uncle at Saline, as a Machine Repair - and my Father at Saline, as a Machine Repair - and also an Aunt at Flat Rock in Production - I myself currently am at the Milan Plant, as a Hilo Driver, and active in the Union.
Posted Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011
By: Colleen Gallegos
My Grandfather worked the line in Dearborn for 40 years, I still have his gold Elgin retirement watch engraved with Henry Ford's signature. His son, my uncle was a draftsman for Ford for 25 years. When I was hired by Ford Motor Credit five years ago I was beaming with pride to be a third generation Ford employee. I have very fond memories of the conversations around the dinner table proudly discussing blue oval loyalty and why the neighbor has a Toyota ...OH THE HORROR! …sitting in his driveway. To see the great products Ford is putting out again is very exciting. I will always bleed blue..It's a family tradition!
By: Donna Rossi
My Dad, Ron Rossi, worked at Ford for 30 years, retiring at age 55, he's 70 now--and a proud Ford retiree. He worked at ECC. I have worked at Ford for over 17 years, plus 5 years contract, for a total of over 22 years. I work in PD. I have 2 cousins here too on my husband's side of the family. A designer in the studio and an OGC legal employee.
By: Catherine VanCamp
This is in response to your question regarding multigenerational family members that worked at Ford. My father, Carl Andrew Helquist was a Supervising Engineer at Ford Tractor and retired from Ford Tractor when it was sold to New Holland. He spent his entire career working for Ford. My grandfather, Carl Lawrence Helquist started working for Ford in engineering including during the World War II effort. He later became the Lincoln/Mercury District Sales Manager for Southwest United States and also retired from Ford. My younger brother, Carl Andrew Helquist Jr. worked as an intern one summer for Ford. I am currently working as an Information Specialist at RLIS (Research Library and Information Services) in the Research and Innovation Center. Thanks for asking employees about their family history. It actually prompted me to learn more about my grandfather.
By: Debra Baratta
Dad, myself, and my son, I don't work directly for Ford, but I have always worked on Ford programs, started in 1994 and still going strong. My dad worked for Ford for over 30 years, he took an early special retirement and went to work for a supplier ICT, a company who worked on Ford programs. During his employment at ICT he brought me in after hours (with the owners permission) and on weekends to train me to be a computer draftsman, at ICT he taught me how to draw on the board, use the computer software PDGS, and got me my first job digitizing parts for Ford Mo Co programs we were working on. A few years back I did the same thing for my son, I taught him how to use IDEAS, got him his first job, he worked for 3-years with me at Delphi before he got laid off, he has been looking for work every since. My son is still hoping to get back into design.
By: Marc Greca
I spotted the Ford Multigenerational Family item on @Ford Online. I just wanted to share that I believe I am a fourth generation Ford employee. My understanding my families history with Ford: My great grandfather - Meitz Greca worked for Ford in the 30s/40s from what I understand from family lore. Not sure of the location. My grandfather - Donald Greca Sr. worked for Ford at the Monroe plant in security until 1978. My dad - Francis Greca worked at Ypsi and Sheldon Road plants until 2004. I started at Ford in 2003 in NA Diesel I have numerous cousins, aunts and uncles that either work at or have worked at Ford over the years as well.
By: Beate Stein
I am actually a third generation Ford employee, my father's mother Anna Stein worked for Ford, as far as I can remember she worked in the department where the seats a sewn in Cologne Niehl (Like the women in the film 'Made in Dagenham'). Then my father Paul-Heinz Stein also joined Ford, he worked for Ford in Cologne Niehl until 1989 as an electro-technician in the transmission plant. I joined in 1981 as an business admin apprentice , completed my studies while working for Ford and I'm a now an LL6 in MP&L Cologne. I still remember that my father used to tell us a lot of stories about what had happened in the plant while he was on shift. He also was an active member of the Film and Photo club and later became very active as a excursion guide of the Ford hiking club . I am a member of the Ford chorus Take a Break here in Cologne and enjoy the opportunity to contribute to the diversity in Ford as a member of the GCI panel.
By: Lauren Kenny
I don't remember exact dates and places my grandparents worked but both of them were immigrants from Armenia and fled the persecution there. They settled in Detroit and worked at Ford. My grandma work at the Rouge complex and I'm not sure where my grandfather worked. My grandfathers sister (Admin) and her husband (IT) also worked at Ford. My Mom began working at Ford as an Admin at the test track for Homer Perry. She spent her first 10 working years at a supplier (Detroit Bolt and Nut) which was located on Southfield in Allen Park. My sister began at Ford a few years after high school and went to school at night to get her B.A. After graduating from college I started at G.M. After about 10 years I had to look for a new job due to our division being sold. I was able to get hired at Ford and have been her for the last 21 years. So we have 3 generations of Ford workers. I'm sorry to say my son and daughter do not work for Ford. Neither one is an engineer. However, my son has a 1990 Mustang he is upgrading works at Best Buy in audio and sound systems and my daughter is a creative person and a U of M graduate in Screen Arts and Cultures. If you know of any jobs Ford may have that fit these profiles we can keep the string going.
By: Domenico Gabrielli
I have been a product engineer and planner at Ford since 1987 (originally since 1978). My son joined Ford in 2007 as a product engineer. My maternal grandfather retired from Ford in the late 1960's after ~ 35 years service at the Rouge Complex and Sterling Heights facility. I understand that my father worked at what is now the "pilot plant" for a relatively short time. I believe this would have been in the late 1950's. Both have died and unfortunately, no family members have any details regarding their time at Ford. Good luck with this initiative. What a great idea!!
By: Rose Boylan
I come from a Ford Multigenerational Family. My Grandfather ( Frank Publiski Sr.). My Father ( Frank Publiski Jr.). My Uncle ( Stanley Publiski). My Uncles 1st Wife (Ruth). My Uncles Daughter from his 2nd Marriage (Genie Whipple). They all worked for the Monroe Stamping Plant.....sadly to say my Grandfather, Father and Uncle are all now deceased......I'm not sure what became of "Ruth"...and Genie now suffers from cancer. Then I am ( Rosemary Boylan) employed by Auto Alliance International (Ford) where the current Mustang and Mazda6 are made, in Flat Rock, Michigan. My husband (Craig Boylan) worked at AAI also and loaned himself out to the Saline plant this past summer (2010). My husbands Sister (Kelly Stiles) worked for a few years at Auto Alliance before taking a buy out. My Husbands Nephew (Justin Boylan) was hired as a temp for Auto Alliance but as of this day has never been hired full time. So you see I have LOTS of FORD BLOOD that runs thru my veins, and I am very proud to say I work for this company!! I cannot imagine owning anything but a FORD and God forbid if anything should ever happen to this company I don't want to own any other vehicle...(Guess I'll just ride my horse instead). I feel I owe the Ford Family a GIANT THANK YOU for giving my Family the opportunity, to work for them as I have been Blessed with living a Fantastic life all because of my employer and what they have offered me. Ford Motor Company Rocks in my World!!
By: Tim Manthei
Frederick Strauss is my great uncle (times 3). Frederick was a boyhood, and later adult friend and co-worker of Henry Ford. He and Henry worked together at Flowers Brothers Machine Shop in Detroit, where they first met. A favorite family story is that Frederick’s sister, Liz (Strauss) McAfee, once came home to find Frederick and Henry working on an engine in the kitchen. Upset with the mess, she chased them out of the kitchen with a broom. Frederick later held a job at the U.S. Patent Office in Detroit, when Henry endeavored in his first car company, which failed. When he was getting ready to re-start the successful 1903 company, Frederick helped him locate a place to start the business. Though Strauss wasn’t ready yet to join him, he enlisted his nephew, August Degener, as one of the first 7 employees. He was a mechanic. His name can be seen at the mock office of Ford’s in Greenfield Village (there’s a copy of a 1903 payroll on display, with his name on it). August went on to become the Chief Inspector, Ford Motor Company. August’s wife, Aunt Betty, told how he went to Chicago to study the meat packing conveyor system, and was part of the team that adapted the idea to the production line. She also said he was very meticulous, where all his tools had to be in a specified place. She said after the company became very large, he was nerve-struck by the enormity of the job. Later, August’s brother, Fred Degener, became an electrician at the company, and even later was appointed the Chief Electrician. Later (after WWI?), Frederick Strauss, would play a significant role in the Ford Motor Company’s development in Europe. Strauss was sent to France to start and run a truck plant outside Paris. He was there in France for many years, but when the Nazi’s took over France, he retired. There was an article in the paper, my grandmother had saved, of how Henry gave him a new car upon his final return to America.
Posted Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011
By: Richard Krygowski
I have worked here coming up on 25 years now. I started in college as an CO-OP for Ford Electronics in Lansdale, PA. I hired in full time into Powertrain development and have been in engine calibration ever since coming off the FCG program. My father started in Ford trade school right out of high school beginning his career in the drafting department. He moved up to supervisor of an emission calibration group until the early 80's when he became a Technical Specialist in induction design where he finished his career. He retired in 1990 with 40 years of service coming back and working supplemental a few days a week until his passing in 1998. His brother-in-law also worked in the engine design and calibration areas. My sister and her husband both work in the engine dynamometer building going on 20 years of dedicated service. Having grown up in a Ford family there was no other consideration as to where I was going to work. If Ford had not hired me I would still be aimlessly roaming the streets trying to figure out where else to work.
By: Frank Sexton
I have worked at Ford myself since 1985 as an agency employee, since 1999 as a GSR employee. My Grandfather, Clyde F. Centers owned his own company (Titus Welding) and did a lot of work for Henry Ford both at the Rouge Plant and an the Rotunda building.
By: Stefan Brodbeck
Both my grandfathers worked for Ford and joined Ford Germany in the 30's and early 50's . While one worked in purchasing, the other one was within plant tooling. My father also joined Ford and finally did run the used car marketing area for Ford of Germany. I myself joined Ford 28 years ago and worked on several assignments. As well as my brother who is a Ford engineer.
By: David Bridge
Being a keen Family Historian/Genealogist I have established that my extended family (my relatives and my wife’s) has over 300 years of Ford service, this ranges from myself, brother in law, uncles and aunts, brothers of those and the same on my wife’s side of the family. My wife’s Grandfather, at 100 years old on was even one of the Faces of Ford in Britain for the Corporate Centenary in 2003, unfortunately he passed away just a couple of months later, however he did nothing but talk about his day out being photographed for the Centenary event, I even coined the name Centenary Sid, as his son was also called Sidney, a 40 yr Design Manager. In 2003, Centenary Sid, son Sid and myself also clocked up a combined service of 100 years.
By: Rose Dennis
I truly bleed Ford blue. I was born and raised in Southeast Indiana. Backhills… no running water in my house until I was 10. Within one hour driving distance there was the Indianapolis Plant, the Sharonville Plant, the Connersville Plant, and the Batavia Plant. I am the only person in my entire family generation to go to college, and I paid for it myself working at a 24 hour gas station. The key message that hit home was at my daughter's graduation gathering (down on the farm -- pitch in) when her 2nd or 3rd removed in-law-cousin approached me. As a child I was a rebel, and this man was the local truant officer for the school system. He actually brought me in one day. As a retiree from Connersville, he (Gene Casteel) approached me and said how proud he was that I worked at Ford World Headquarters. He started talking about all our products, etc. and how proud he was to contribute to this great Company, on the line at Connersville. Two weeks later, he died in a tractor accident -- moving the church lawn. Not only that, but my father (John Kolb), uncle (Stanley B. Stone), aunt (Marie Holcomb), uncle (Ernest Holcomb), father-in-law (James Cox), and many cousins…. all retired from Ford. My dream is to pass this on to my children. They are worth it and so is the Company!!
By: Denise Orcher
My father and paternal grand father worked for Ford--both are deceased. My paternal uncle & maternal uncle (deceased) and my aunt (through marriage) are retired from Ford. And I have a cousin who works for Ford presently. Oh, and I forgot about 2 more uncles (through marriage to my mom's sisters that are retired/deceased). So, they all retired from Ford except for me and my cousin who are still full time employees. Here's a summary: Paternal grandfather (deceased). Father (retired in 1987 & deceased). 2 Uncles (1 maternal (deceased) & 1 paternal* (retired)). 2 Uncles (married to my mom's sisters and deceased). 1 Aunt (was married to my father's brother (retired)). 1 Cousin (he's a 3rd generation* employee too and presently employed at Ford). I bet you have a lot of these stories from people in this area!
By: Kimberly Smith
Hello, I am verifying my facts, however wanted to send a quick message about my family's history working for Ford Motor Company. My Father side: Father: John Wagnitz -38 years - STA Engineer. Pap: John Wagnitz - 44 years - Dyno Lab Engineer. My Mothers side: Grandfather: Peter Sofinski - 40 years at Krug Lincoln Mercury - Salesman. Great-Grandfather: John Jasik - 30 years Rough Plant - Plant floor. I am currently a Project Manger in IT and will celebrate my 17th anniversary in August 2011. Currently my family has collectively provided 169 years of Ford Service!
By: Darren Rivers
My father worked for Ford in Dagenham until his untimely death aged 39, as did his father, in the blast furnace at Dagenham until it closed down. I believe my grandmother also lasted 1 night on a night shift at Dagenham. I have worked for Ford since leaving school aged 16. I also have relatives who I believe were involved in building the Dagenham site.
By: Joan Darish
I am a 4th generation Ford Employee, here are my relatives who worked for Ford: Fraine B. Rhuberry (Ford of Mexico, probably until mid-1960's, also worked in Dearborn prior to transfer to Mexico City) - Great Grandfather George E. Adair (Worked in Mexico for my great-grandfather as an accountant) - Grandfather Richard F. Adair (Ford Marketing in the Caribbean then worked in the Glass House in Dearborn until 1984) - Father Me - Ford Employee since 2001; prior worked onsite at Ford beginning 1988 for IBM, then Compuware.
By: Helen Wilson
I am 3rd generation Ford employee. My grandfather (whom I did not know) worked in Dagenham in Time and Motion, my father also worked in Dagenham, as a release and follow up manager, and I am a purchasing manager based in Dunton. Added to this my husband worked for Ford in Marketing and his father worked for Ford, setting up Ford Air in Europe - Captain John Wilson.
Posted Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011
By: Kate Vernile
My family is a truly a Ford family. My grandfather, my mom's father, Cornelius Sheehan, started in Cork, Ireland in the furnace room. I believe they called his position a "Charge Hand". He moved to Dagenham, England when it first opened during the war years. He was actually making army equipment when the blitz was on and the Germans were trying to bomb Ford Motor Company. He was actually in the newspaper. I have the article in my possession. My mother, Phyllis Sheehan (Brownsdon), started at the Dagenham Plant as a secretary and when my parents moved to Canada, she worked at the Oakville Plant and office. My father, Stan Brownsdon, started at the Dagenham Plant as Supervisor of Quality Control and when they moved to Canada, he worked at Oakville Assembly Plant. My aunt, Olive Sheehan (King), started at the Dagenham Plant as a secretary and when she and my uncle moved to Canada, she worked at the Oakville Plant and Office. My uncle, John King, mom's brother-in-law, started in Dagenham as Hourly Personnel and then moved to Canada and joined Ford Oakville Plant as Parts Control. He did move to Ford US and worked at a Material Manager at the Wixom Plant. My cousin, William-Roy Brownsdon, my dad's brother's son, currently works in Dagenham, England. My Uncles, Johnny and Neil both worked in Dagenham, England for a time being. My brothers, Danny and Andy Brownsdon, both worked in the Oakville Assembly Plant and have since moved on. Which brings me to me and I have worked for Ford for 13 years now as Manager of Company Vehicles. I have two sons. One of which is threatening to be the CEO of Ford of Canada … so we are not done with Ford yet!
By: Patrick Morehouse
My uncle (worked in management: Retired from Purchasing; also worked in HR - Ford of Europe; Plant Mgr - Ypsi Plant, & other positions through the years); my grandfather (after WWII, worked at Rouge; retired from calibration & testing) & great-uncle (Leland / Lincoln: Hand delivered Lincolns to customers). I believe my great-grandfather also worked in the organization.
By: David Karwath
My family is working at Ford in Europe in 3rd generation now: - my grandfather Karl Karwath started in Berlin 1925, moved to Ford Cologne and retired after 44years of service. - my dad Horst Karwath started in 1970´s and retired after 35years of service. - I started in 2001, i.e. 10 years of service.
By: Steve Clifton
I have almost 34 years Ford service. My Father James Clifton worked for the Company for 44 years retiring in 1981. My Grandfather Sydney Vanstone worked on the building of the Dagenham Factory. I understand he was a Ford employee but cannot confirm it. My late uncle Samuel Clifton is the longest serving Ford employee ever!! He started working for the company when he was 16 year old and was still employed by the company until he was over 90 years old. That's in excess of 74 years!! A record I don’t think will ever be beaten.
By: Mike Burchett
Both my father and uncle worked at Dagenham for many years (my father 30 years in Traffic Services as a lorry driver, uncle 35 years in the Trim Shop in the stores). My mum also worked in the typing pool in Dagenham for a while - I believe it's how they met. Unfortunately they are both no longer around to ask! I've worked at Ford for 29 years this year - started as an apprentice when I was 16. My 17 year-old son has just started the Masters Apprentice program with Essex Auto Group, training to be a dealer technician. My brother also works for Essex Auto Group in the Parts Department. My 15 year-old son leaves school this year and is very keen to join the Ford Apprenticeship program (not the Masters program in the dealer, but as a Ford apprentice).
By: Gordon A Gillespie
My family members who worked for Ford:
Great uncle, Robert Rankin: 1938-1950: Henry and Clara Ford family chauffeur; 1950-1953: Driver, Ford Motor Company
Uncle, Robert Gillespie: May 12, 1939 - 197?: Ford Pilot Plant (retired)
Father, Alexander Gillespie: 1926-1928, Ford Trade School; June 12, 1939-1969 Ford Chassis Engineering Building 5, R&E Center (retired)
Brother, James R Gillespie: August 3, 1962-1996, Chassis Engineering Building 5, R&E Center (retired)
Myself, Gordon A Gillespie: August 14, 1967-October 1, 2004, Dearborn Engine and Fuel Tank Plant (retired)
By: Marcel Gressard
I belong to a multigenerational family within Ford of Germany! My grand father was one of the first employees of Ford Credit, my father had worked 34 years for Purchasing and I started 10 years ago within Marketing and Sales! …so not only multigenerational but also multidepartmental:-)
By: Catherine Taylor
Grandfathers, worked for Ford, paternal (Mallon) started in 1918, maternal (DesJardins) started in the 1930's. Uncles worked in the Rouge Plant, including one uncle who was a fireman on the Rouge Fire Department team. I have myself, and cousins, including retired EAA (Barb Sheedy) to retired Al Ver and next generation working as a product engineer at the PDC.
By: Nova McNamara
My name is Nova McNamara and I saw the advertisement regarding the request for stories on multigeneration families working at Ford. I come from a family who has made a significant contribution to Ford Australia for many years. I am the daughter of Steve Patullo who worked for Ford for 40 years in Assembly Engineering, retired and has now returned back to Ford on contract in the same department. I am also the niece of Gary Patullo (brother of Steve) who has recently passed away. He worked in MP&L for 35+ years. I have worked for Ford Australia since August 2006 in Product Development. I grew up with Ford and ironically ended up working here too after several years of service to Ford in the Tier 1 automotive supplier world.
By: Amy Cole Kelley
My Ford family is not small. I am a 3rd generation Ford employee. I'm Amy Cole Kelley, a Workforce Analyst for Ford Credit, hired in 1996. My Grandfather, Bill Cole (William H Cole), started working at the Ford Glass Plant Nashville, TN in the 1950's, until her retired in the mid 80's. My Dad, Billy Cole (William H Cole Jr), started working at the Ford Glass Plant Nashville, TN in the early 1970's, until he recently retired. My brother, Gregg Cole, worked for the Glass Plant from the late 1990's & early 2000's, till he took the buy out & began a new career. Additionally my husband, Jason Kelley, currently works for the Glass plant, which is now under Zeledyne majority ownership. His grandfather, Billy Jenkins also worked for the Ford Glass Plant for almost 30 years till his passing.
Posted Monday, Sept. 26, 2011
By: David Soubly
My mother, Olga Soubly, worked at Ford for a number of years, first in the Rouge and then (at JE Lundy's request) was brought over to WHQ. Among the people she worked for as an executive secretary were Cy Buersmeyer and (for a long time) John Sagan, Vice President - Treasurer. She had extensive contacts in the Ford community. I'd need to look further into this, but I believe my grandfather (on my mom's side) was a Ford technician. I've been here 32 years.
By: Doran Burkeen
I'm responding to the inquiry about being a multi-generation Ford family member. My grandfather was a farmer, after a particularly bad season that resulted in a lost crop due to bad weather, he came North and worked for approximately 3 months at the Rouge Plant to help him get through the rest of the year. My father was a technician at various Ford and Lincoln/Mercury dealerships. He had an opportunity to come to Ford and worked for Ford Customer Service Division and retired from Ford with 26 years service. I have two older brothers that also worked at Ford. My oldest brother also worked at the Rouge Plant, my second brother worked for a time at the Ford Michigan Casting Center (now the AAI Plant) in Flat Rock, MI. My entire career has been in the Warranty Dept. within FCSD. I'm 53 years old with 33 years of service with Ford Motor Company. I'm a very proud employee and look forward to many more years with the best company in the world! My only regret; is that at present, no one else in my family is employed at Ford. P.S - I even met my wife through a co-worker here at Ford!
By: Don Iacovoni
My father, now retired, worked in Vehicle Engineering for 32 years, while my sister and brother-in-law still work at Ford (approx 30 years each now) along with myself, of course (18 years).
By: Janet Vizzaccero
I am responding to your request to let you know that we have 4 generations that worked at Ford and are still working. My grandfather worked at Rouge Foundry. My uncle worked at Sterling Axle and went on to become Plant chairman and then an International Rep for the UAW. I am currently working at Sterling in Quality, and my son Fred has just transferred from Sterling to the Chicago Assembly Plant.
By: Doug Harrington
Despite coming to Ford later in my career, I have always associated myself with the Blue Oval. My father worked 20 years for Ford in Plymouth and went to the Ford School as a youngster. My maternal grandparents were both Ford retirees from Manchester. She worked at the Saline Plastics plant while he worked in the Manchester facility.
By: Floyd Mason
My name is Floyd D. Mason I hired in at the Sharonville Transmission Plant In May 1958, I retired April 1990 as a Manufacturing Superintendent. My father Floyd E. Mason hired in the Fairfax Transmission Plant in May,1950. He retired as a Quality Control Superintendent. I have two brothers, Harry Mason hired in 1967 and Larry Mason hired in 1976 that retired from the Batavia Transmission Plant. I have a brother Garry Mason who hired in 1967 and who retired July 2010. Garry was the Administration Assistant to the UAW President Ron Gettlefinger. I have a daughter, Vicki Kuykendall and her husband Frank who currently work at Sharonville Plant. I also have a son, Dave Mason who is the UAW Plant Chairman at the Sharonville Plant. My son, Mike Mason who has taken the buyout worked at Van Dyke and Sharonville Plants. I have a granddaughter, Kate Tomblin who worked at the Romeo Engine Plant where she met her husband Steve. Steve currently works at the Dearborn Truck Plant. I have five nephews who work at different Ford areas. Larry Mason Jr. recently transferred to NP&L as a Team Leader. Kenny Mason and Billy Herrera who currently work at the Sharonville Plant. Harry Mason Jr. works at the Indianapolis Plant. Joe Mason works at the Solidarity House. As you can see Ford Motor Company has been a large part of our family history. My father is still living at the age of 91 years. He has made sure our family has been true Ford employees. We are well represented in management and the UAW workforce. I'm very proud of our company and the way they have persevered in the last few trying years. Keep up the good work.
By: Amy Baker
I am third-generation Ford! I believe my grandfather, Chester Horosko started with the company in 1936 at the Rouge. I'm not sure what year my aunt, Kathleen Jump, began with Ford, but she retired in 1999 which is the year I hired in.
By: Joseph Pellegrino
Grandfather worked at the Rouge at the open hearth furnace. I remember going to pick him up on Saturdays and Sundays at the gate off Schafer Road. Dad worked as a Millwright at Livonia Transmission & Design Center. I have both of their metal badges.
By: Andres Gutierrez
My Grandfather Joe Gutierrez Sr. worked at the Rouge plant 30+ years on the line and retired from Ford. My Father, Joe Gutierrez Jr. worked 32 years as an engineer at POEE and retired. I have followed suit, and have five years at Ford working within PT. I am told my great-grandfather also worked for Ford, but I have to verify the number of years and locations.
By: Pauline Griffin
My Ford family story started in 1943 where my Great Gran worked at the Ford factory in Dagenham making munitions for two years during the war. In 1949 my Granddad began work at Ford, also based at Dagenham. He was a Radio Controller of Traffic and a Weighman. He retired in 1984 after 35 years of service and still has a keen interest in what is going on at Ford today. In 1954 my Granddad recommended to my Great Uncle that he should join Ford and he began as a Welder. He worked at Ford for 24 years and became a General Foreman, at Dagenham, which was a job he loved. In 1969 my Dad began work at Ford, again in Dagenham where he worked in the Controller's Office. The jobs he did here included Payroll and timekeeping, data control, product costing, cost accounting and being an inventory analyst. In 1983 he moved to Beckett House in the Centralised Powertrain Cost Accounting department where he spent 10 years, after 5 of which he was promoted to Supervisor. He then moved to Accounts Payable and moved to Trafford House in 1994, he worked in this area until 2003 when he joined the Treasury Accounting team and then in 2007 was relocated to Warley and in 2009, after 40 years of service, he retired, finishing his Ford career in Payroll Accounting. I began my time at Ford in 2001 when I joined as a Management Accountant Trainee. I started at Trafford House where I worked in Data Control, Jaguar Financial Reporting, Project and Property Accounting, Payroll, both on the Hourly Section and the Payroll Accounting Team where I became a Supervisor. I was then promoted to my current role as Ford of Britain US GAAP Financial Reporting Supervisor at the end of 2006 and began the role in 2007 which is also the year we were relocated to Warley. It seems I was destined to work for Ford as it is a Griffin family tradition and collectively my family has a 111 years’ service record which I am pleased to be a part of it.
Posted Monday, Sept. 19, 2011
By: Thomas Miller
My grandfather Joseph Stanley Wisniewski worked at the Rouge Plant as a pattern shop senior. My mother Loretta Miller, worked in the
Rouge Office building as a steno secretary. My uncle Joseph Stanley Wisniewski Jr. worked at Building 5 as an engineer. My uncle William Eugene Wisniewski also worked at Building 5 as an engineer. He worked on the Continental Mark project in the late fifties and managed the frame group in the sixties and seventies. Note: Both Joe and Bill were graduates of the Henry Ford Trade School. I joined Ford in 1977. My brother Robert Joseph Miller (Ford 1986) is in Livonia ATNPC and is a Primary Designer. Our cousin William Eugene Wisniewski Jr. is an Engineering Technologist at TEE. My son Thomas Alphonse Miller is an engineering intern here at Ford and will be returning to work this spring.
By: Jeff Smeed
My grandfather, Thomas C. Smeed worked on the line somewhere in the Rouge and retired in the early 60's from Ford. My uncle, Earl Smeed, was a manufacturing engineer at either Dearborn Stamping or Dearborn Frame until he retired in the early 1980's. I believe my great uncle, Leonard Guerin, was a machine repairmen at the Highland Park Tractor Plant until the late 50's or early 60's.
By: Scott Dzienis
I am third generation Ford. My grandfather worked at Highland Park Assembly. My Dad went to Ford Trade School and then worked as a draftsman/engineer in body design. I am not sure of the dates or specific information since both of them have now passed.
By: Barbara McAdams
I work for Ford Credit in the Irving Business center. My ex Father in law use to work for Ford Motor Co. in Michigan in the Heavy Truck division a few years back he has retired and still is working for Ford in some way. He works for a dealer in AL in the Fleet part of this dealership. Plus his Father Ben Mcadams had a Ford dealership in Weatherford, Texas back in the day. My Ex-Father in law was Craig McAdams.
By: Kenneth France
I am writing to you in reference to multiple generations of families employed by Ford. My cousin Teresa Poston-Brainer is 4th generation at Ford in Louisville, Ky. We both work at the Kentucky Truck Plant. But her story is special in that she, her Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather all worked for Ford. She is still here and works on the door line in Super Duty trim. Hope this is what you are looking for.
By: Valerie Gill
My grandfather migrated from the South in the late 1940’s to work at a Ford plant. Over time my uncles, aunts and my father also worked at Ford. My husband also worked for Ford at one time. Currently, most of my family members have retired, but I do have a sister-in-law who works at Ford.
By: Gregory Houston
My Father was an Engineer with Ford for 37 years (David Houston). My brother presently works for Ford in Parts Supply and Logistics (23 years) (Daniel Houston). My Father-In-Law was in Finance and retired from Ford after 25 years (Jerry Suggs). I have worked for Ford for 18 years in Marketing, Sales, and Service.
By: Brian Andonian
My father worked for Ford from 1949 to 1982 in the Steel Division. My Grandfather (dad's father) worked for Ford as an inspector in the engine factory. I don't know his dates of service. My brother Sean and his wife Dawn currently work for Ford. We are certainly a Ford Family!
By: Richard Honiss
My father worked in Product Development for 35 years. My step-mother worked as an administrative assistant before retiring. My brother works at Ford Credit. My wife works at FCSD. I’ve been with Ford for over 16 years. Also, my brother’s father-in-law worked for Ford Credit before retiring. My son has said many times that he wants to work for Ford when he finishes school. You could say that it is a family business to us.
By: Christine Kloth
I have 7 family members who have worked for Ford over the generations! I'm not sure how many details of my story you'd like to hear right now, but I had three grandparents who worked for Ford, my mother, my father, my stepfather, and me!
Posted Monday, Sept. 12, 2011
By: Ron Campbell
My entire family learned to drive on Ford pickups. The tradition came from my grandfather, my Mom, me, my two kids, and now my grandchildren. All of the kids originally sat in the lap of a parent or grandparent in a long driveway for our first taste of driving a Ford. As adults, we all still own and drive Fords.
By: John McGrath
My Father Edward McGrath worked in the Main Engine Plant for 30 plus years. Ending up in the engine plant lab as a Metallurgical Inspector. I believe his Manager at the time was Bob Reader. Both Edward's sons worked for Ford. Michael the oldest worked in the Blast Furnace before emigrating to Australia and is living in Broome W.A. John, which is me, went on to do 41years. Starting in the Blast Furnace and when it closed went to Traffic as a HGV driver until I retired in September 2009. I Have two sons who went through the trade school and qualified as Mecalects.Sean the eldest is now a manager at Dunton in Finance, and achieved two degrees through Ford's sponsorship. Antony (Tony) my youngest son stayed on the tools and now works in the New Engine Plant as a Mechanical Electrical Engineer. Also my son-in-law Dave Gwilliams works for Ford. He was a trade school boy and is now also at Dunton working in Finance. Hope you find this of some interest to you.
By: John Eddy
I'm a 3rd generation 'John Eddy' to be working at Ford for over 20 years. Several cousins and uncles also included, and I married a woman who's dad was also a 35-year Ford man and her uncles and cousins included Ford family, including her grandfather who helped design the Lincoln insignia.
By: Suzanne Hurst
I have been with Ford of Australia (FOA) for 7 years, I am a 28 year old female Engineer located at Broadmeadows Plant - current role QA superintendent. My grandfather (Les Glover) worked for FOA for over 25 years designing the dealerships across the country. My brother (Steven Hurst) worked at FOA for over 5 years as a Fitter and Turner. And my father commenced work with FOA in December 2010 is the safety department at Broadmeadows.
By: Jan Miller
My Grandpa - Joseph Sprader worked at the Rouge Plant for 35 yrs....and My Dad - Richard Sprader worked at Wixom Assembly for 33 years, he retired 20 years ago this April 1st. Now my Husband works at the Sterling Plant - Chris Miller. He will start his 10th year on March 19th!!! And we couldn't be happier!!!!!!!
By: Aaron Sullivan
I am an electrician at Windsor Engine. My father was an electrician and worked at the Windsor plants, lastly, 23 years at Essex Engine, and my grandfather was also an electrician at Ford starting just after WWII. He was a WWI veteran. He worked at the foundry and WEP where I am now. As well he worked at plant 1.My granddad had a good reputation which helped my father get a job at Ford. My dad had a great reputation which helped me. My son is going to University of Windsor in the fall so the legacy ends with me.
By: Jutta Nett
You are looking for a multigenerational family - my family works for Ford in Cologne now in the third generation and the fourth is hopefully coming soon…...I am working for Ford since 1982 and my father worked for Ford until his early retirement in 1981 and my grandfather worked for Ford for a very long time (I think it was 40 years, I would have to find out) and my mother worked for Ford shortly before I was born. My daughter spent her laboratory as well as several girl's days at Ford and my little daughter is looking forward for her first girl's day at Ford on April 14th.So we are all dedicated to this company (where I met the father of my 3 kids, my former husband).
By: Don Ebling
My Grandfather, George Ebling, was Henry Ford’s personal photographer. He worked for Ford Motor from 1918 until 1946 and was responsible for many of the historic photographs that are still used in Ford marketing today. My Father worked for Ford as part of the Apprentice program and assisted my Grandfather on many of the photo shoots. He was on the cover of the “Ford Times”, and played the part of a “Juvenile delinquent” in a short public service film for the Michigan State Police. My dad’s cousin Harold Clemett was the head of the Arizona Test track, and his father Edward Model was one of the original Ford management team members under Harry Bennet (1922). My 1st cousin George Ebling II also worked at Ford on the line. My Grandfather, George Ebling, was featured in the Book “Henry’s Lieutenants”
By: Richard Nielsen
Maternal Great Grandfather Herman Henry Kettler terms of service unknown, pre-1925. Maternal Grandfather William Kettler, worked in the plants. Dearborn and Lima Engine, not sure of retirement or years of service. Approx 1925 thru 1974, Maternal Grandmother Hattie Kettler, worked at Ford plant during WWII building airplanes. My Father Richard Nielsen Sr. retired from Body Engineering in 1993. with 31 yrs of service. My Brother William Nielsen worked here from mid 90's thru 2006. Sister in-law (Brother's Wife) Anupa Nielsen works here currently at WHQ in IT-HR.
Posted Monday, Sept. 5, 2011
By: Alfred Eckl
My grandfather started April 1931 in the new facility of Cologne, Hall A, just after the move from Berlin to Cologne. He was one of the first hundreds of employees.
10 years after he celebrated his anniversary (at that time 10 years were already remarkable) and did this with about 150 other employees, means from the launch team 1931 just 150 heads remained.
I do have the Ford magazine, issued 1941, about this celebration in my safe. Finally he worked on the nail 40 years for FMC.
My father started 1943 (due to the war in an age of 14) and worked short 44 years for FMC, means he retired already in an age of 58, but could have done 51 years of service to Ford.
I started September 1972 being now 39 years in service and officially need to add another 11 years until an age of 66, due to new law of pension age in Germany.
Therefore I could do 50 years of service, but I don't think this is my aim, just want to beat my father, so I will continue another 6 years :-))
This might be a good time, because my two kids (boy and girl) finish study within this period and may start with Ford in the 4th generation, if Ford hires them.
In total the real 3 generations (Matthias Eckl, Alfred Eckl sen. and me) do have 123 years of service for the time being, what is more than the age of FMC.
ONE Team. FOREVER Ford.
By: Rhonda Colvin
My name is Rhonda Colvin. I am an employee at the Dearborn Truck Plant. My Grandfather was also a Ford employee before I was born in 1969. He did 25 years at the Rouge Complex. His name is Samuel Wellington Sr. Thank you for putting on this event.
By: Ralph Blazek
If you're interested my family has four generations of Ford employees just on my Dad's side that go back to building the Ford Rouge steel plant . We have times when three of us worked in the research center together. Our immediate family has two retirees and one active Ford engineer, with a budding 9 year old who LOVES cars. Together we share over 150 years of Ford service. (Not counting the over 100 years of Ford service by my Mother's side of the family.
By: Rod Spearin
Interesting you should ask about multigenerational Ford families as I have been thinking about this as my father passed away this January. While there may be many families with more family members who worked at Ford, I have always thought of my Dad's career as rather unique. My father, Cecil J. Spearin, began work with Ford Canada in September 1951 in the parts depot in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. He was a Chartered Accountant (Canadian version of CPA). In the Winnipeg office he met my mother, who had started work there in January, 1951. In 1953 he was offered a position with Ford Malaysia in Singapore as the Finance Director / Secretary for the dealer/ assembler of Ford vehicles. As Canada was part of the British Commonwealth, the Canadian operation managed a number of the Commonwealth markets. Before leaving for Singapore my parents were married; I was born there in 1954. We remained in Singapore until 1959 when we returned to Canada in Oakville. Dad continued in the export business but in 1960, for tax reasons, the Commonwealth export business was relocated to Bermuda. Dad, and his boss (Fraser Eaddie) would be out on the "road" for six weeks at a time either traveling through the African continent or through Asia, meeting with dealers and assemblers. Then in 1962, the operation was transferred to the US, first to New York (we lived in New Jersey for 9 months) and then in 1963 to Michigan operating out of the Wixom offices. Our last foreign service assignment came in 1966 when Dad became the Area Manager for the Eastern Mediterranean and we moved to Athens, Greece. I remember during this time Dad met Henry Ford II and Max Fisher as they were vacationing in Greece. We were there for 3 years and returned in 1969. At that time Dad went to work for Ford Tractor and continued to work on international new market assignments using his many contacts around the world. After the oil shocks in 1974 the international expansion plans for Ford Tractor were more limited. Dad remained there in a marketing role until his retirement in December, 1981. I joined Ford in PD finance in June 1981. I had a number of assignments with international scope, however, I never moved my family overseas. One interesting story (at least to me) was when I was working in New Markets in 1996/7 we were going through the process of increasing the Ford ownership in Ford Otosan in Turkey. As we completed this we had to update all the dealer agreements in Turkey. As the old agreements were pulled out of the records, they had been signed on behalf of Ford by my Dad when we were in Athens almost 30 years prior! My career continued with Ford until 2000 when I was part of the Visteon spinoff. Then in 2005 with the creation of Automotive Components Holdings, LLC I found myself "back" supporting Ford.
By: Paul Manuell
My father Charlie worked for Ford until he retired age 65 in October 2001. I believe he had completed 33 years service having joined the Company in 1969. My brother Phil worked for Ford until he emigrated to the US in January 2010 age 41. He had completed 23 years service having joined the Company in 1986 as an apprentice. He now works for a supplier to Ford in Detroit. I have worked for Ford since September 1982. I've completed 28 years service to date having joined the Company in 1982 as an apprentice. My story is not yet complete.
By: Richard Haskin
I am a third generation Ford Research and Engineering employee. My grandfather worked as a clay modeler, and would occasionally have lunch with company founder, Henry Ford. My father worked in the Research Center for 37 years. I also work at the Center in Predictive Maintenance, and have been here for over 30 years.
By: Mike Starcher
Three generations of my family worked at Ford's Brookpark, Ohio comple
By: Jeff Street
My father worked at Ford for a couple of years around 1950. Met my wife at Ford. My wife retired from Ford in 2007 after 35 years of service as a Business Analyst in IT. My wife’s father, retired from Ford in the early 1980’s after 38 years of service in Body Surface Layout. My wife’s sister and her husband both retired from Ford Credit about 10 years ago after near 30 years of service each. Myself, started at Ford in 1978, left in 84, returned in 95, all the time has been in IT.
By: Don Witchelhouse
I worked for Ford for 35 years I have been retired for 10 years now, I have two sons who will have 21 years in June this year.
Posted Monday, August 29, 2011
By: William Clanton
My name is Bill Clanton and I have been an engineer with Ford since 05/04/81; most of that time was in Body Engineering, and in what is now called PDC. I have also worked on the Q-Press teams at Lorain Assembly Plant and Dearborn Assembly Plant (now the Dearborn Truck Plant). During the summers from 1975 - 1977 I worked at Sterling Axle Plant while attending college. I was also a summer intern working for Materials Engineering on a body corrosion survey in 1978. My father, Jack M. Clanton, was also an engineer at Ford, starting in 1956 and retiring in 1986. My dad had been manager of the Powertrain and Chassis Resident Engineering group.
By: Robert Benintende
My family's connection to Ford spans
three generations, with my father, my brother, and my nephew. My father Edward worked as a Cost Analysis Supervisor at the Mahwah, NJ Assembly Plant. My brother Jim and I have had several assignments in Marketing, Sales, and Service throughout our careers. And Jim's son Nicholas, just started with the Company earlier this year, also a Marketing, Sales, and Service employee. Collectively, we have 87 years of Company service.
By: Melvin Markwardt
I'm an 85 year old retiree from Body and Assemble Division with 30 years of service. My father was a mail boy at Highland Park early in the 20th century. My son Bruce Markwardt has worked in Ford purchasing since 1973. My daughter Joanne Leom has worked for Ford Credit for over 20 years. My brother Gary, now retired worked for Ford in various job for over 30 years. Finally my daughter in law, Dorene Markwardt, Bruce's wife, works for Ford in Flat Rock. All in all we have over one hundred years of Ford service.
By: Brian Windecker
I am the second generation of my family to work for Ford. My Father, L. R. Windecker, started working for the company in 1964 after leaving Studebaker. He retired in 1989 as the Research & Analysis Mgr. for Public Affairs. I have a plastic Ford flag on my desk that was on his and also use a Pinto "brief case" he had. My Father had 25 years with the Company, I have 23. I also had Uncles who were affiliated with the company as two Uncles had a Mercury car dealership in the 1970's and another Uncle worked at Sandusky Lighting (I think it was) as a tool and die man.
By: Christopher Newell
My name is Chris Newell and I am a 3rd
generation Ford Motor employee. I am the first in my family to be a non-UAW employee. My Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Aunt have worked here at Cleveland Engine Plant 1 where I am currently working as a controls engineer. The most special event about my story is that I was born on the same day as my grandfather's death whom never got the chance to retire from Ford, CEP1.
By: Paul Moon
Paul Ebeling, after whom I was named, was born in 1918 and served in the Pacific theater during World War II. I am not sure when he worked at Ford Motor Company, but believe he was a draftsman and/or tool designer. Marc Moon is my brother. His work in communication/information technology at Ford Motor Company enabled him to pay for medical school. He is now a cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in adult cardiac surgery, heart surgery, endocarditis, heart-lung transplantation, heart transplant, mitral valve replacement, coronary artery bypass surgery, aortic aneurysm, arrhythmia surgery, heart disease, vascular disease, AAA and transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR). He was recognized as a "Best Doctor in America" in the 2010 issue of St. Louis Magazine.
By: Kristin Riedel
I am a third generation Ford employee. My grandfather and father retired from Ford and my uncle is currently a Ford employee. My father-in-law also retired from Ford.
By: Jim Murray
I am a fourth generation employee. Two of four great grandfathers worked here, my grandmother's brothers worked here, my father worked here, my cousins worked here.
By: Vincent Morga
Multigenerations at Ford: I may be a 4th generation Ford employee. My Grandfather, Gaetano Morga, retired from Ford Motor Company in the 1960's. My Father, Santino Morga, retired a few years ago with approximately 42 years of service. My mother told me my Great Grandfather worked for the Ford's Company in the 1930's and my Grandfather, Daniel Brough, worked here for a few years too. I have 18 years of service.
By: Jan Miller
My Grandpa - Joseph Sprader worked at the Rouge Plant for 35 years....and my Dad - Richard Sprader worked at Wixom Assembly for 33 years (he retired 20 years ago this April 1st) and now my Husband works at the Sterling Plant - Chris Miller. He will start his 10th year on March 19th!!! And we couldn't be happier!!!!!!!
Posted Monday, August 22, 2011
By: Tarzanna Young
I don’t know where to start nor how end but I am honored to share my story with you guys. My name is Tarzanna Young and this is the second time I had the privilege of working for Ford Motor Company and I must say that it has truly been a journey that one must experience. I was born Tarzanna Carlo Young and I'm one of four children (one deceased). I was raised by my mother who was a single parent until I was three years old. Throughout the course of my life I NEVER knew, nor seen, my biological father was but the stories always surfaced that he works for Ford Motor Company (Stamping Plant-Chicago Heights Illinois). As many Americans we all have been through changes in our lives in which both parents were needed, however, I never had that opportunity. I worked for a outside company before having the chance to be a part of Ford Motor Company and I was more than elated to accept the membership with this prestige company. I am currently 31 years old and I always wondered would my destiny at Ford Motor Company allow me to meet the man who helped bring me in this world. I am currently stationed at the Chicago Assembly Plant and as I help my fellow brothers and sisters provide quality cars for mankind, internally, I often wonder would I ever run into the man who provided me with this thing called “life”. His name was Eddie Martin (I believe he was a Jr.) and I would like to thank you guys and him for giving me the chance to show the world that Henry Ford legacy still lives on.
By: William Safran
My father, Richard Safran, who recently celebrated his 88th birthday on March 3rd was hired into Ford Chicago Assembly Plant in 1947. He had 36 years of service and retired in 1983. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After joining Ford, He took a military leave of absence when the Korean War broke out. He started his career at Ford working as a QC inspector on the engine line. He held various jobs throughout the assembly plant mainly in final assembly. I am his oldest son. I was named after Admiral William Halsey who my father served under in the Navy. I have 20 years of service with the company. Currently, I am a product design engineer in the PVT (Plant Vehicle Team) at the Michigan Assembly Plant, home of the new 2012 Ford Focus. In 1964, when I was 10 years old, my grandmother traveled from Japan to Chicago to visit our family in Chicago. Ford World did a human interest story on my grandmother's visit.
By: Drew Robichaud
My family is probably the most generations now. I now work at DTP. My father Andrew Robichaud started at Dearborn Engine and retired from Dearborn Tool and Die. Two of my uncles worked at DAP. My stepmom's dad marched in the hunger strike and worked in the Rouge. Two of my great uncles worked at Woodhaven Stamping. And my great grandfather Levi Bruley was Henry Ford, Sr.'s Executive Chef. Thank you.
By: Myra Taylor
My name is Myra Taylor and I'm a third generation Ford employee. I hired into the Body Construction Department in 2000. My grandfather Grave Paylor started working at Ford after moving from North Carolina to Michigan back in 1940. He left Ford in 1946 to pursue ministry. My father George S. Taylor hired in at Michigan Truck Plant on the assembly line in 1964 and retired in 2006. I have uncles and cousins that have worked for Ford over the years. Eddie Paylor (uncle) hired in 1964 and retired in 1996 (MTP). Fred Paylor (uncle) hired in 1973 and retired in 1996 (WAP). John Taylor (2nd cousin) hired in 1973 and retired in 2003 (Rawsonville-Ypsilanti). Clarence Paylor Sr. (uncle) hired in 1974 and retired in 2000 (Executive Garage). Peggy Smith (2nd cousin) hired in 1975 and retired in 2009 (WAP). Clarence Paylor Jr. (1st cousin) hired in 1979 and retired in 2009 (KTP). Thaddeus Paylor (1st cousin) hired in 1985 and left the company in 1998. Lure Denise Taylor (2nd cousin) hired in 1989 and retired in 2010 (WAP). Chico Paylor (1st cousin) hired in 1989 and still working at (WAP). Our family has a legacy and Ford has become apart of the legacy. It's funny... to find out that the Taylor/Paylor family numbers of years in service (288 years) is more than Ford Motor Company has been around.
By: Patti Warren
I have a 96 year old grandfather, still alive- and mentally with it…most of the time, who began work at the Motor Building in the Rouge Plant at Miller Rd. on January 2, 1935. He worked as a relief man on the assembly line for 38 years. He retired from Ford in 1972. He has been collecting from his pension and the union longer than he worked!! Ford has been good to him!!! I have memories of my grandfather picking me up from kindergarten (he worked the afternoon shift) in his shiny Ford car. I can't quite tell you what it was but if you ask my Grandpa he can tell you exactly what car he had!! I want to say it was a Thunderbird. I am an engineer in the Automotive Safety Office and have worked at Ford in Dearborn for 23 years. My story is not quite multigenerational since we did skip a generation!!!
By: Dianne Wills
My step-father (Donald Murdick) worked at Fisher Farms in Romeo Michigan a number of years ago. When Ford bought the property, he started working at the Ford Proving Grounds and continued working there for 26 years. He is 92 years old now and has been retired for over 30 years, but still talks about the job he had and the people he worked with. His job was keeping the test track in good condition and free of snow in the winter. I remember as a child that he would get called in to work during a snowstorm. We had a 'party line' and he would tell us that we could not use the phone just in case Ford was trying to reach him. I started working at Ford Credit in 1995 in Nashville, TN and have held numerous positions. I have enjoyed my time working with Ford and believe the products and services we provide are top notch! In September of 2010, I was able to give out five A&X Plan pin numbers to family and friends and each one of them bought Ford vehicles. We are one PROUD Ford family!
By: Vic & Christina Mondine
Hi, we have a three generational Ford history. My grandfather worked at the Rouge Plant. My father retired from the Utica Plant after 37 years and I myself have close to 18 years with Ford, currently working at the Van Dyke Transmission plant. All hourly employees. Victor John Mondine, 38 years at Rouge, Vicor Andrew Mondine 37 years at Utica retired in 2000. Victor John Mondine 18 years 15 at Utica 3 at VanDyke. My son Victor Andrew Mondine 14 years old...well you never know.
By: Gary Blakely
My uncle moved to Detroit from Arkansas in the late 30's or 40's and went to work for Ford as an hourly employee at some point. He retired from the Livonia Transmission Plant in the late 1980's as I recall. His son, my cousin also worked as an hourly employee making 3 speed manual transmissions possibly also at Livonia transmission plant sometime in the 1960's before being drafted into the Army. I am a salary employee of FCSD. In my case, I did not use the family connection to gain employment. After graduating college in 1984 I simply pursued the normal campus recruiting process. I had aspired to work for Ford for many years and that was the primary motivation for me to go to college and get a degree. Not sure if that is an interesting enough story for your topic but my cousin and I could add any further details you might want to know about. My uncle passed away some years ago.
By: Robert Bullard
My father, grandfather and uncle have worked for the Ford Motor Company. With my current service of 23 years, our combined family service is approaching 90 years.
By: Donald Savona
My dad started working at Wayne Assembly as a hourly employee in 1974 and he retired in 2000 as a Millwright. My brother started out as a security guard and is now Plant Manager at LAP. I have worked in Prototype operations in my career since 1993.
Posted Monday, August 15, 2011
By: Randy Thibert
My father started Ford in Windsor, Ontario back in 1931. He retired after 37 years as a General Foreman, Material Handling, Plant 2 Windsor, Ontario. He passed away in December 2010. He worked his way up the ranks from hourly employee to Union Stewart to Foreman to General Foreman. I started at Ford in 1972 in Windsor, Ontario Plant 2 as an hourly employee driving a fork trucks. In 1976, I was promoted to Foreman Material Handling. In 1984, I was promoted to General Foreman, Essex Engine Plant Windsor. In 1996, I was promoted to Production Control Supervisor, Windsor Engine Plant. In 2000, I was promoted to Production Control Manager Romeo Engine Plant. In 2005, I returned to Windsor and became the MP&L Manger for Windsor Foundry and Essex Engine Plant. I worked until closing at both those plants and retired 2007 with 35 and a half years.
By: Ernest Snyder
Hi, my name is Ernest E. Snyder. I work at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. I am a 2nd generation Ford worker. My father, Ernest J. Snyder, worked for Ford for 30 plus years. He worked at the plant on Winchester and helped set up his area when they moved over to the Claycomo plant.
By: William Rondello
My Grandfather came over from Italy and left his wife and newborn son there. He started working for Ford Motor Company in 1919 and once he had enough money, he brought his family over to the U.S. He always told the story of how Henry Ford lent him the money to build his house. He didn't speak much English and was a laborer, sweeping floors, etc.
By: Sandy Alberts
The Ford History of the Alberts Family first started in 1930 at the Ford Rouge Plant – both of my Grandfathers have worked there on the production line.
My Father, Floyd Alberts who couldn't be a more dedicated Ford Motor Company Employee had a total of 47 years – no sick days. He started In January 1954 in the new Dyno Building. in Dearborn, working on experimental power steering gears. One of his accomplishments was installing a spring to remove a chatter in the unit. He then was hired as a Metallurgist at the Research Lab which at that time was located near the entrance gate. He was the only person to prepare samples of catalyst from the early conception to present. He received a Metallurgical Engineering Assistance Award in 1976 and an Operational Excellence Award from the Research Staff in 1989. He did metallographic sample prep and photography, micro & macro, and in 1993 he received an award from the American Society of Metals for a Micrograph of The Service of Gamma Iron - the photo is still on exhibition at the University of Indiana and the Manufacturing Systems Award presented in 2000. He graduated (as he calls it-actually retired) from Ford Motor Company at the age of 77 in March 2001.
I started my career at Ford Motor Company in 1980 working in the Robotics Department in Commerce Park as a Ford Supplemental. After the three month assignment had ended – I retrieved numerous Ford Supplemental Assignments working as an Administrative Assistant in various Ford Bldgs.: FOC, QMP, FMCC, WHQ working 39 hours a week in the different positions. In 1985 I was hired on indefinite assignment (still as a Ford Supplemental working 39 hours a week) at Central Laboratory in Commerce Park in Sample Receiving. I was hired Full-Time in November 1991 in the Materials Lab at PDC. In 1999 I was promoted to the F-150/Harley Davidson Program Management Group and in 2009 until the present; I transferred to the LGDEE Powertrain Division in Building 1.
By: Dave Stokes
My family goes back a long way with Ford. My grandmother worked at Briggs Bodies, Dagenham, who made the bodies for Ford during and after World War II, until she retired around 1970 with some 40 years service. My father worked at Ford for a couple of years while we lived in Ford Road, Dagenham, I always remember the Ford childrens' parties held in the works canteen. At 16, I joined the Ford Harold Hill apprentice school and apart from a couple of years sponsored at university and one year as director of a supplier to Ford, I have been with the company 40 years during which time I have held four management positions. I suppose that only makes about 80 years in total.
By: Brian Smith
First Generation: My Grandfather worked for Ford, first as chauffer for Henry and later at Detroit State Bank (I think was one of Henry's first banks). Also, he taught Thomas Edison to drive a car. Second Generation: My Father worked at Ford from 1940's to about 1975. My Uncle worked for Ford in California at Milpitas in Sales and Marketing. (And there are some extended stories for some of my relatives.) 3rd Generation: Brother works at Ford Twin cities Assy now.
By: Douglas Mitchell
My maternal Grandfather, Andrew C. Davidson, worked at Ford starting in the 1920s, retiring around 1959. My father-in-law and his brother both worked at Ford, V. Patrick Green and Bernard Green. My brother-in-law, Michael P. Green and I are currently working for Ford.
By: Ronald Brooks and Dee Vickers
My dad, alert and going strong at 95, was a divisional manager at Ford (transmission and chassis). He retired after more than 30 years in 1973 or 1974. His brother and brother-in-law both worked at Ford. My father's father worked at Ford for a time (he also had a farm). My brother worked for/retired from Ford (I believe he was the youngest plant manager Ford had when he started managing the Lima plant). My husband works for Auto Alliance, so he is basically the 4th generation.
By: Duane O'Brien
My father Donald worked for 40 years for Ford Motor. He started at the Rouge plant in 1934 and then was at Highland Park. During World War II he worked at Willow Run on the bombers. In the 1950's he became a mechanic at EVB where he worked until retiring in 1974. I was hired at the Rouge plant myself, like my father. After 9 at years at the Rouge I was laid off and then came to the Research and Engineering Center. Also my sister in-law retired from Ford Motor in the early 1990's.
By: Cynthia Koroly
My name is Cynthia Koroly. I am a 4th generation Ford employee. Here’s my story. My maternal great grandfather, Joseph Terech, worked at the Rouge Complex. My maternal grandfather, Leo Musko, also worked at Rouge. He worked in the steel mill, glass plant and stamping plant. My father, John Koroly, held different positions at Woodhaven Stamping Plant, retiring after 30 years’ service in 2000. I work at Ford Credit’s National Bankruptcy Service Center as a Bankruptcy Specialist and proudly celebrated my 12th anniversary on June 1, 2011.
Posted Monday, August 8, 2011
By: Jennifer Cornea
I wanted to share that I am so proud to be a Ford Multigenerational Family member!! My Grandfather, John Cornea came to the US from Europe (Romania) and while staying in Ohio with his relatives heard that there was work in Detroit (Highland Park) for Ford Motor Company. So he left his family and headed to Michigan! My father John Cornea (who is going to be 90 years old this coming June) also started with Ford Motor Company in 1939 while he was still in high school at Fordson High. He worked for the company for 52 years! He was a Tool and Die maker and worked in Dearborn the entire time. I am the 3rd generation Cornea to join the team in 1988 full time with Ford Motor Credit Company in Dearborn as well! I wish I had more details on my Grandfathers employment records and my Fathers but I am thankful that my Dad shared his Fathers love of the company and knew it would stay strong. My Dad of course is still VERY much a Ford man and always will be and I am a true Ford Blue Girl myself! Thank you for asking for this! I know my Dad will be thrilled to know I was able to share a little bit of our 3 generations of being a part of the Ford Family!
By: Debbie Rees
I am a current Ford employee with 34 years. My dad, David Pace Sr., was an Office Layout Analyst at Ford when he retired in 1982 with 34 years of service. His began his career at the Ford Trade School. His father, Earl U. Pace, began his career in the 1930s. He was in charge of Security for the Research & Engineering Center until he passed away in 1956. Other family members who were also Ford employees are: Paul Pace (my uncle/dad's brother) was a supervisor at the Romeo Test Track until he passed away in 1982. Paul's son, Earl W. Pace, is a current employee at Romeo. James Pace (another uncle/dad's brother) was employed at Ford in the early 1940s as a shift supervisor. My brother, David Pace Jr., was in IT Operations and retired with 34.5 years in 2007. My sister's husband, Anthony Music, was in Paint Operations and retired from Wayne Assembly in 2008 after 41.8 years of service. My father-in-law, William Rees Sr., was employed at Livonia Transmission as a hydraulics journeyman until he passed away in 1995. His son (William Rees Jr.) and son-in-law (Dennis White) were also employees at Livonia. We are DEFINITELY a Ford family--and proud of it!!
By: Joe Cassata
I am now a contract worker, working at Chicago Assembly as a Warranty Parts Expediter. I have worked as a Ford Service Advisor over 17 years before this. My father was a mechanic at Litsinger Motors Ford in Chicago during the 60's and later became a Service Manager. He was a weekend racer with a '61 Fairlane. Later he went into fleet sales and dealership management and helped me get into the car business, teaching me to respect and love Ford and the products.
By: Matthew Swis
My wife and I are 3rd generation Ford employees. My father, Eugene Swis, worked in accounting for I believe 34 years and retired sometime around 1997. My grandfather, John Swis, worked at Rouge Steel. He came up north from West Virginia. I'm not sure of his years of service, but believe it to be over 40 years. I'm guessing he retired sometime around 1977. I just celebrated 20 years with the company on Feb. 20th. My wife, Margaret Swis, will have 9 years of service come October. So if I'm right about the number of years for my grandfather, that would add up to over 100 years of combined service for the Swis family.
By: Larry Sissom
My father, Eugene W.Sissom, worked at the Wixom facility for 30+ years before retiring in 1984. He has owned Mercury Grand Marquis's exclusively since then. When it was announced that the Mercury brand was going to be dropped, he went out and traded his pristine 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis for one of the last new models available for purchase. He says it’s such a wonderful car and didn’t want to be without one. I have been a Ford employee since 1972.
Posted Monday, August 1, 2011
By: Dennis Rasinski
Just wanted to drop a line and say our family has generations at Ford Facilities. When I was about 17 I knew my uncle was a pipefitter at the Chicago Stamping Plant and asked him if he was happy there. He stated he was, so I applied for the apprenticeship, tested and was accepted. I went through the Tool and Die apprenticeship, graduated and worked at the Stamping Plant for 38 years before retiring. During that time, my oldest son tested and was accepted into the apprenticeship. He graduated and was in Tool and Die. My other son got a job at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. We are a proud "Ford Family."
By: Jason Hill
My Grandfather, George Hill, started at Cleveland Casting Plant shortly after it was opened. He had three sons, Leo, Arthur, and Ronald, that all worked at CCP. Ronald is now at CEP2, Leo retired in 2001 from Cleveland Aluminum Casting Plant, and Arthur retired in 2009 or 2010 from CCP. I am Leo's son and worked as an Intern at CCP from 1998-2000, and started as a full time employee in 2001 but left the company shortly after the announcement that CCP was going to close in 2007. Ronald also has a son that worked at CCP and is now at CEP1. In addition, my father and his two brothers are cousins with the Toich family that have worked on the Cleveland Site for many years.
By: John Meredyk
My stepfather was a millwright and later, a maintenance foreman at Cleveland Engine Plant 1. My real Dad died when I was just 18 months old. For some reason I always loved Fords. Maybe it was because my beautiful Mom drove a classy pink and white Two Tone '55 Crown Victoria that we called "Bonnie". I met my Stepdad when I was 8 years old and was amazed that he worked building Fords. I wanted to build Fords too! When I was 20, my Stepdad told me that Ford was hiring so I lined up with a few thousand other Clevelanders who knew a job at Ford was a solid ticket to the Middle Class and put my application in. Several weeks later I got the call! I went for my interview on May 31, 1977 at 8:00AM and by 3:00 PM was working in the Cleveland Casting Plant. It was hard work at first but I stuck it out. I lot of people couldn't handle the working conditions in the Cleveland Casting Plant and walked out and quit the first day. I bought my first house 16 months later when most of my friends were still living at home. I got bumped to Engine Plant 1 and got to know my Stepdad, not as a father but as a real friend. He was a different man at work, so fun-loving and enthusiastic about everything he did. Everyone loved him. Sadly, Dad had a few strokes and heart issues and died in 1986. I miss him every day. I took early retirement in 2007. I can't express fully how proud I am to have worked at Ford and at how grateful I am for all the opportunities the company provided. It pains me to see people driving foreign autos and thinking it's OK because they are assembled in the USA. I don't think people really fully understand what America is losing.
By: Edward Fredericks
I am the 4th generation of my family to work for Ford Motor Co. My great grandfather worked at the Highland Park plant then the Rouge. My grandfather worked at the Rouge and my father went to the Ford Trade School. I currently work in engine calibration on the 2012MY 2.0L GTDI Explorer and Edge. Back in May of 1996 my family (wife, 3 daughters, the youngest was 2 months old), my parents and grandparents made a commercial for Ford titled "Generations." It was about my family's connection to Ford Motor Company through our generations. It featured the new 96MY Taurus. It is one of the highlights of my 20 year career here at Ford.
By: Frank Scicluna
I have worked for Ford for the past 32 plus years. My Father John L Scicluna worked for Ford for 38 yrs (Retired Executive Director for Purchasing. His Father worked for Ford for 42 years and retired as a Skilled Tradesman for the Company (his name was John L Scicluna also). All 3 of us have worked in a Local 600 facility.
Posted Monday, July 25, 2011
By: Jeremiah P. O'Connor
My Father started with Ford Motor Company in 1949 at the Canton Forge Plant, then went to the Walton Hills Stamping Plant in 1954, and retired in 1975. I started at the Walton Hills Stamping Plant in 1966, and retired in 1997. My son was hired at the Walton Hills Stamping Plant in 1994, and is currently working at that location. While all that may not be that interesting, the interesting fact is that all of our names are Jeremiah P. O'Connor. Ford Motor Company has provided the O'Connor family with excellent livelihoods for the past 62 years, and my son and I are hoping for many more. Thank for everything.
By: Jeff Mclaughlin
I am the third generation in my family to work for Ford. My Grandfather worked for Ford Motor Company Willow Run and retired. My Father worked for Ford Motor Company Rawsonville Plant and retired. I myself entered the financial side of Ford through Ford Motor Credit. My father always told me to stick with it through thick and thin the company would always take care of me. He said the company always rewarded its hard workers. I have lived the rewards through 11 years with Ford Motor Credit and look forward to the day when I can say I retired as a third generation retiree from Ford.
By: Marjorie Thomas
We have a multi generational family! My dad, mom and father-in-law retired from WSP, my sister and I along with my husband and sister-in-law still work at WSP in various jobs. My dad was an inspector, my mom worked production, my father-in-law worked in special build. I work as an electrician, my husband as a millwright and sister-in-law works production. We are proud of our Ford family!
By: Glen Allan
I hired into VOGO 25 years ago as a Tooling and Layout Inspector. I took advantage of the school benefit, and earned my bachelor degree in Business Administration. In 1999, I took a position as Supervisor of the Inspection Dept at NMPDC where I have been ever since. My father attended Ford Trade School to become a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker, and worked for the company for 17 years. He went out on retirement around 1975. My Grandfather was a Master Electrician and worked for Ford in the 1920s. He left Ford to work for the Dearborn Public Schools.
By: Mark Grueber
I'm a 4th generation at Ford. Over 100 years of Ford service in my family. Within my family, my grandfather has the most noteworthy experience. He started out in the Ford trade school and worked his way up the company and briefly reported directly to Henry Ford. I grew up in Dearborn and also attended Edsel Ford High School.
By: Karen Jacek
My husband and I both have careers at Ford. My husband retired in 2007. My husband's father worked for and retired from Ford in the 1980's. My grandfather worked for Ford also, in the 1930's, 40's and 50's. He worked his way up in the company from a Clerk to Director during those years. Please let me know if you would be interested in knowing more about our Ford history.
Posted Monday, July 18, 2011
By: Thom Kuzilla
The Kuzilla blood runs Ford blue. We have three generations of Ford employees in our family, with a combined total of over 100 years of service.
The first generation of Ford employee was my grandfather, Michael Kuzilla. At the tail end of the depression, he moved from Pennsylvania to Cleveland to seek employment as a coal miner. While in Cleveland, he learned that Ford Motor Co. was paying well so he moved to Detroit (in 1931) and began working in the Rouge Plant. Although I am unsure of the exact path of his career with Ford, I know that he retired from the parts warehouse in Livonia in 1966.
Michael J. Kuzilla’s sons, Thomas Michael (my father) and Frank, (my uncle) also both worked for Ford – and represent the second generation of Ford employees. My uncle Frank retired from the parts warehouse on Plymouth Road. My father, Thomas Michael started out working for Ford in the Engine Factory at the Rouge Plant. During that time a supervisor asked if anybody could type and my father said that he could. As a result, he began working in the offices at Ford. He concurrently attended night school, and continued his education part time for 15 years in order to get his Bachelor’s degree. He worked his way up and advanced his career to a management role before he retired after 42 years of service, in 1990. My brother John and I, Thomas Charles Kuzilla, were third-generation Ford employees. John, like my grandfather and Uncle before him, also worked at the parts warehouse in Livonia. John worked there from approximately 1978 until his untimely death in 1990.
I have over 33 years with Ford Motor Company, and have recently decided to retire with an effective date of December 31st, 2011. I started working with Ford at the Metal stamping Division at the Rouge complex and I am currently working as a machine and tool designer with the engine laboratories department at the Dynamometer Laboratory in Dearborn.
By: Robert Place
My father retired in 1975 after 36 years with the company, his father worked at Ford, His uncle was the Superintendent of motor assembly at the River Rouge Plant in charge of more than 3,100 men in 1938, my brother retired three years ago after 38 years at Ford and I celebrated my 38th year at Ford today, March 1st and am still working here.
By: Marsha Rosso
My step father Harvey R. Hewitt worked at the Mound road axel plant for more than 30 years. He retired in 1979 and just celebrated his 85th birthday. I started working here in 2001, so I will have my 10th anniversary on April 2nd. We have been a Ford driving family for more than 65 years.
By: Jeannette Steinhauer
I am a 25 year employee of Ford Credit, the daughter of Marvin Dery, a 43 year Ford employee, who was the son of George Dery, a 38 year Ford employee, who was an electrician at the Rouge. My great-grandfather on my mother's side, Klatt, was also a Ford employee for an unknown number of years (he died young). My husband and I met in the Ford Chorus (a FERA organization). I had joined just before my interview with Ford Credit and my husband joined two years later as the son of a long time Ford employee, Luis Steinhauer. I am not sure what details you are looking for. I enjoy telling people that between all our years of service (some overlapping and only a few between my grandpa and my Dad), we had 100 years at the Ford Centennial.
By: Glen Wagner
My Great Grandfather William Loudon started with Ford in the 20's he was a coal miner that immigrated from Scotland and became a machinist at the Rouge Plant. Both his daughter and her husband, my grandparents (George & Janet Wallis) worked at Ford, and both their daughter and her husband, my mom and dad (Paul and Agnes Wagner) worked at Ford. My Grandfather George Wallis worked in Ford Styling in the 40's, 50's and 60's. He co-designed the Ford Crest emblem that was used in the 50's (he designed the art deco lion that is on the crest) however his specialty was lettering. George was instrumental in creating the fonts used on several of our vehicle nameplate emblems. He used the "G" from his signature to create the font for the "Galaxy" emblem. I remember him telling me that he was suppose to come up with a replacement for the Ford Oval but was unable to improve on that simple design. George also did the lettering for Henry and Clara Ford's grave markers. My children don't work for Ford but my daughter (an Aerospace Engineer) worked for our CEO Alan Mulally when he was at Boeing.
Posted Monday, July 11, 2011
By: Ross Worley
I am proud to be a second generation Ford employee. My father, Ralph Worley, worked for Ford for 35 years. After graduating from Purdue University he started at the Indianapolis Steering Gear Plant in 1962. We moved to Michigan in 1976 when he transferred to the Dearborn Frame Plant. He moved on to management positions within Metal Stamping until he retired from the Stamping Business Unit in 1997. I also got my engineering degree from Purdue University and after graduating in 1989 hired into the Vehicle Operations organization and worked in Body Construction. I have spent my 21 plus years in Body Construction Engineering. Ford has been an important part of my family my whole life. Some of this passion I can see in my children. I do not know if a third generation will come from one of my three daughters, but my youngest daughter Annie has already displayed an eye for cars. Even though she is only 7 years old, she constantly points out the different models by name she sees and proudly tells us what she sees changing on the new models, like the new grille she noted on a new Edge in the parking lot at school!
By: Stacy Bissett
My name is Stacy Bissett (Andy) and I am a third generation Ford employee. My father and grandfather both retired at the Tulsa Ford Glass Plant. I now have 23 years in, so I hope to do the same, only it'll be at a different site. My dad was salaried in quality control. He started in Tulsa then went to Juarez, Mexico, then to a plant in Knoxville and on to Nashville until he got the opportunity to return to Tulsa. My grandfather was hourly working in the box shop. He traveled over an hour each way to work, never missing a day or being tardy. He retired when he was 72. I started in Tulsa, got laid off and received a call one afternoon asking if I wanted to work in Carrolton, Texas. I said sure and they said be here tomorrow morning to start. I packed up and stayed there 9 years before returning to Tulsa where I worked another 11 years and was told to stay a Ford employee I would have to go elsewhere, so I came to Kansas City. And here I am working as a hi-lo mechanic in skilled trades. We actually love it here in the Kansas City area.
By: Jason Shomsky
My father-in-law retired from here. His daughter, who is my wife, works here in Commercial body shop. My wife's son worked here in SUV body shop. I work here in SUV paint. My brother-in-law works here in SUV body shop. My cousin works here in Comm Trim. My cousin's son also works here. There is a family story that my Great Grandfather, John Sullivan had a job shoveling snow from the ponds in front of the EEE building during the depression. His son, my Grandfather, Arthur Sullivan worked for Ford as an Engine Engineer from 1952 to 1982. My mother Suzanne Shomsky work for Ford Credit and later with Ford. She was working on SYNC when she retired in 2007. Her Brother, John Sullivan worked at Ford from 1977 to 2007 in a variety of EE and management positions. He was working on the Hybrid team when he retired. My father and a few of my aunts and uncles have worked for Ford at one time or another. I am currently on my second tour with Ford. In 1997 I started at Ford Microelectronics in Colorado Springs which was spun into Visteon. I returned to Ford in 2006 and work as a Crash Sensor Engineer.
By: Gibson Nichols
My father was a Ford employee back in the 60’s. He and two other people formed a team that was asked to find out why engineers were leaving the company. Exit interviews determined they were leaving because no educational opportunities existed in the Dearborn area. So the team proposed that a school be created in Dearborn. My father, a University of Michigan Graduate, suggested that it be a University of Michigan School. That is how the University of Michigan – Dearborn became a University of Michigan school. My mother still lives in Dearborn and she knows the names of the other two people. My older brother was a designer at Ford for almost 30 years. My sister and I both graduated from The University of Michigan – Dearborn. I remember driving some great cars from the 60’s as a teenager. I took my driver’s test in a 1968 Cougar. I drove a 1966 Mustang in High School. I now own a partially restored 1966 Mustang.
By: Leena Shah
My father, Kiran C. Shah, was at Ford from 1979 until he retired from Ford a few years ago. He was in Fuel Systems for most or all of his career at Ford. Because of my dad, I had the opportunity to come to Ford as a summer intern for my college years, as of 1993. I started officially at Ford as an FCG in 1996 and have remained since then.. However, I feel like I have spent most of my life here - coming into work with my dad on Saturdays, coming for the summer picnics Ford used to have, and so much more.
By: Jeff Baxter
My Great Grandfather, Jim Baxter worked on the assembly line here during the Model T era and used to tell me story's of Henry walking the line. He remembered the union fights and $5.00 week. My Grandfather Toby Baxter worked here after the war. I can find out more but he was a mechanic of some kind at Livonia Transmission. My Dad, Jim Baxter, started working here when he was 19 years old in 1962, I believe, as a designer in Body Engineering doing layouts by hand. The story goes that he bought the last car that was on the Rotunda show room turn table, a Convertible, 1962 Sports Roadster Thunderbird. He drove that car away from his wedding to my mom and still owns the car and it's in great shape. Later he was promoted to engineering and spent most of his career as a Development Engineer in NVH. I've worked with or around Ford every since I was around 25 either as a supplier to Ford or as a contract employee in Body Engineering as a Design and Release Engineer. My dad really taught me everything I know and use daily at my job. I really can't imagine working anywhere else or in any other business. I was literally born and bred for it.
Posted Monday, July 4, 2011
By: Christopher Chevela
Here are a few people in my family that have worked at Ford Motor Company, spanning 1943 – present. • My Grandfather worked at Willow Run Airport during WWII helping to build the B-24 Liberator. He was on the crew that joined the wings to the fuselage. • My Father-in-Law worked at Ford from 1967 – 2001 in various product development/emissions testing positions. • My Father worked at the Ford Rawsonville Plant in 1968 and also from 1991 – 2000 in the Vehicle Operations division. • My Stepmother worked at Ford from 1976-1977, 1980-2006 in the Information Technology organization working in HR/payroll systems, PDGS/engineering systems, C3P Legacy Data Migration, and ITO Business Planning. • I have worked at Ford as an employee since 1997 and have 10 ½ years of service in Deskside Services, Plant IT and Manufacturing Systems. So, collectively, my family has around 68 years of Ford experience!
By: Robert Romeo
I'm a third generation ford employee. My Grandfather Philip Romeo moved to Dearborn from Belmont, New York to work at the Rouge plant along with my Uncle Frank Romeo. My father began working at Ford after a short stint in the Army after the Korean War and was a Manager in Product Development. He retired from Ford after 33 yrs. and still resides in Dearborn. I'm currently employed in The Ford PAVE group working in VEV / Product development. I am a 20 year employee and wouldn't be employed anywhere else as far as I'm concerned. I am very proud as were my family members to be an employee of the company.
By: Darrell Drouillard
My dad, Pat Drouillard is a retired purchasing agent and worked at Dearborn NAAO building until he retired in 1995. My great uncle, Roy Daniher is the interesting part of our family story. He's been retired from Ford since 1974, still lives in his home with Aunt Vera. He worked as an hourly employee at Windsor engine plant. His service was interrupted by WWII. He worked at Ford Windsor site way back when it manufactured vehicles and was part of the historic labor strike in 1947. I recommend your story or interview be conducted from the lobby of Windsor Engine plant (I was a resident engineer there from 2002-2006). The lobby has a fantastic picture display collection that chronicles much Ford history. Uncle Roy will be able to relate first hand experiences after viewing this history. I've brought him into the lobby previously - he always enjoys it. My dad returns from Florida around May 1 each year.
By: Rosaleen Austin
I saw the story on the FCN site that you are looking for multigenerational Ford Families. Well, I currently work for Ford. It skipped a generation, but my Grandfather worked at Ford for 40+ years, before and after serving in WWII. His family also worked on the Rouge site when he was a boy. They moved to Michigan from Pennsylvania to work in the rail yard for the rouge.
By: Jack Daniels
I am Jack Daniels Jr. My Grandfather Grover Lawson worked for and retired from the Ypsilanti plant. My father Jack Sr. and my uncle Woodrow Daniels also started out at Ypsi but Woods moved to Wixom and got my cousin Ron Valko a job there. My father moved to Sheldon Rd plant and got me a job there. My working experience has been one of many ups and downs as the auto industry struggles to survive. I have many fond memories the best was working with my father and getting to meet Mr. Ford. Dad and I took a department that was struggling and made it one of the best in the plant and Mr. Ford was gracious enough to congratulate and thank us. I still work at Sheldon Rd and take pride in being a Ford employee.
By: Shawn Mink
My brother Jamie and I are both 4th generation employees. Our great grandfather worked for Henry himself! Our grandfather worked in the Rouge in the iron foundry, our father worked in casting operations (Dearborn, Flat Rock, and Windsor) for 37 years. My brother and I are both Engineers working in Dearborn. We are very proud to be employees at Ford!
Posted Monday, June 27, 2011
By: Jason Lupescu
My maternal grandfather, Frank Tersinar, graduated from the Henry Ford Trade school in 1932. We still have his graduation picture. He was a tool and die maker. We do not recall where at Ford he worked or for how long. My father, Mitchell Lupescu, graduated from Fordson High School and began work in the Ford Rouge Steel Mill while going to night school at the Detroit College of Business (now Davenport University) toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration for Data Management. After graduation from DCB, he was hired in at Ford in 1968 with the Computer and Data Processing Operations Department. He transferred into the Purchasing Systems Department after about four years and worked there until he retired in 1998. He worked to provide an interface to suppliers so they could get their material into Ford plants (similar to just-in-time management).I completed my Bachelors in Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1996. After some time as an agency employee, I hired into the Ford Scientific Research Laboratory Chemical Engineering department in 1998 where I still work today. My 12 years at Ford have been in automotive catalysis with half that time in applied electronic controls and engine calibration for after treatment device emissions optimization. During my time at Ford, I returned to U of M Ann Arbor part-time and graduated with my Masters in Chemical Engineering in 2002 and recently enrolled into their Chemical Engineering PhD program to do research in the area of automotive catalysis.
By: Eric Bemer I
My Father Jan was a Design and Release Engineer here at Ford for the majority of his professional carrier. His main focus was Brakes and Body. My Sister Jill, worked in Engine Design for a few years before pursuing a carrier as an MD. I grew up looking over my Dad's shoulder as he worked on / taught me maintenance and repair procedures on his own vehicles. He rarely had his vehicles worked on by others. He even performed his own front end alignments! As procedures were performed he would explain the engineering principles of the components and how they related to the system. I was always intrigued. This sense of ownership carried over to my teen years as I maintained and repaired my own Ford vehicles. To this day, I drive a 1993 Grand Marquis and a 1993 Probe in great running condition all due to my Fathers teachings in pride and ownership and ones abilities to understand, maintain, diagnose, and repair issues as they arise. I'd have to say, we are a Ford Family for Sure!
By: Sarah McGrath
My maternal grandfather, Samuel Forsyth, held many roles in Europe including: - Manager of Export, - Managing Director, Ford of Sweden, - Director Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Britain, - post -retirement he even stayed on an extra year to act as "Special Assistant" to Gordon Mackenzie, VP of Sales. Ford was such an integral part of my mother's family's life that she and her sister and brother were even photographed for a Ford Anglia launch postcard when they were young children. My grandfather's brother, Joe Forsyth was Plant Manager of Halewood (a manufacturing plant). Joe's son, Peter Forsyth, was a senior manager in the Marketing Department. During the Second World War, 2 of my great aunts worked on the Ford switchboard, Lilly Forsyth and Moira Forsyth. And my great uncle, Jim Forsyth, who was actually a "Savile Row" tailor by trade, was hired to stitch seats. This was considered "essential war work". My mother's sister, Joanna, spent a year at Ford as a secretary in Product Planning in Dunton. Her husband, Tony Russell, began his career at Ford in Sales Planning and Analysis in Averley before they emigrated to Canada. He continued his career at Ford and retired a few years ago after 30 years of service but remains involved with Ford on a contract basis. That brings us to my generation, the 3rd generation of our family to work at Ford. Tony and Joanna's children, Melanie and James, spent their summers during university, working in the Bramalea Parts Depot in the Parts Supply department. James also worked as a contract employee in Sales Operations before heading off to complete his MBA. For myself, when I was nearing completion of my university degree in 1998, I knew that there was no question that I was going to pursue a career at Ford. After graduating, I feel very fortunate to have been hired at the Bramalea Parts Depot and 13 years and 2 beautiful children later, my career at Ford has taken me from parts to sales to technical service support and finally to my current home in Marketing. I don't know what the future holds for me at Ford but I know that based on the past there is no place that I belong more.
By: Peter Pellerito
My grandfather Nicola Pellerito started with Ford Motor Company in 1917 at the Highland Park plant than transferred to the foundry in the Rouge complex in the 1920’s. He worked there until his death in the early 1950’s. My Father Charles Pellerito started at the Rouge complex in 1939. One of his first jobs there was making tires. During World War II he served four years in the transportation field of the military because of his background knowledge on tires and how to repair them. When he returned home from the war there was a job still waiting for him at Ford Motor Company. He finally ended up at the Steel Division were he put in 42 years before he retired. That is where I, Peter Pellerito, was hired into the company in 1977. Unfortunately, during my 25th year with the company my father passed away. While going through my father's papers I found a letter of my grandfather's dated December 15, 1944 from the office of Henry Ford II congratulating him on his 25th anniversary with Ford . The letter was actually signed by the man himself, not a rubber stamp! With that letter I found his 25 and 30 year pins. That was a very special moment for me for I had just received my 25 year pin. This company has been more than a job for me it has been my family's history. It’s in my blood. I very proud to tell my story with this company and forever grateful.
By: Philip Snell
My Grandfather, William Courtney Snell, was a Bookkeeper/Accountant at Ford WHQ when it was on Schafer Road, and also at the Ford Lincoln-Mercury HQ at Southfield and Rotunda. He retired in about 1960. Not sure how long he worked for Ford Motor Company but guess it was at least 30 years. My Father, Philip George Snell Sr., started working at Ford Motor Company in the early 1950's as an Inspector at the Ford Transmission and Chassis in Livonia plant after he left the Marine Corp. Upon completing college, he worked for a short time at GM and Wolverine Tubing, and then came back to Ford as a metallurgical engineer at Ford Transmission and Chassis in Livonia. He passed away in 1976. My Grandfather's oldest brother, George Vernon Snell, was a Manager at Ford's Rubber Plantation in Brazil. He was a World War I vet and a fighter pilot who flew open cockpit planes for the Canadian Military during the war. He also flew planes in and out of Ford's airport off of Oakwood Blvd., which is now the test track. Not sure what years he worked at Ford, but eventually ended up at Jeep in Toledo where he retired from. Even into his 90's he was a guide on fishing/hunting trips in far northern Ontario. My Grandfather's youngest brother, Laurence Snell, claimed to have a summer job from college painting the water towers at the Rouge Plant gun metal grey. Two of the above passed away many years ago and way before I became an employee of Ford Motor Company in 1999. Thanks.
Posted Monday, June 20, 2011
By: Robert Pietraroia
My family history with Ford Motor Co. began in 1953, when my father, Arthur Pietraroia left his job as a machinist on the New York Central Railroad to begin his career in the rapidly growing U.S. auto industry. The Interstate Highway System, begun during President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration, made passenger train travel obsolete. My father saw the handwriting on the wall. So after 10 years on the railroad he decided to cast his lot with the booming auto industry. He hired in with Ford at the new complex being built in Brookpark, Ohio. He hired in around July of 1953, where he worked his way up to a Maintenance General Foreman. About 20 years later, in June of 1973, two days after my graduation from high school, I hired into the giant Cleveland Casting Plant (CCP). My father knew the importance of learning a Trade, so when a apprentice test was given he made sure I signed up to take it. I was indentured into CEP # 2 in 1984 as an electrician. Several years later (1987) my older brother Mike, joined the Ford family when he hired in as an electrician. Upon my father's retirement in 1983, Dad continued to work for Ford, but this time as a consultant in Mexico. He really enjoyed that work assignment! He also returned occasionally to CEP 1 and 2 to help out. As for me, I'm currently working as an electrician in CEP #2, and in June I will have 38 years. The Ford Motor Co has been a great place to work and has always provided a good living for my family. I have met many wonderful people here over the years and many are like extended family. I hope to work several more years before calling it a career. When that day finally arrives I'm sure I will leave with a touch of sadness. After all, I feel like I grew up at the Ford complex. The Site and the Company are a part of me.
By: Kimberly Stengel
Hi my name is Kim Stengel and am very proud to say that I belong to a family that has had Four generations work at the Chicago Stamping Plant. Our family story begins with both of my Grandfathers working at the stamping plant from when it first opened, Howard Smith and Earl McCarter, then my Father Bob McCarter started working on a line and worked his way up to Plant Engineering Manager, now my own husband David Stengel is a Forklift operator, and my brother Bobby McCarter is a welder. The fourth generation to work at the stamping plant is my son Justin Stengel, he is currently in college working towards his mechanical engineering degree, and was blessed enough to get an internship last summer, and has recently been accepted again for this summer. I have always wanted to share our families story about the generations who have worked for Ford, and was so happy to see that you were looking for this information. I am and always have been so proud to say that we are truly a Ford family!
By: Greg Gauthier
My dad attended Ford Trade school and worked on the assembly line at Ford for a while assembling carburetors. I only learned that he worked at Ford a few days before he passed away. I remember him talking about how the assembly line moved parts past him on a leather belt. I don't know what my grandpa did; but my dad said was involved with the effort to get the union started and I am told his employment ended sooner than expected after that activity. My brother Gary is an Electrician at the main engineering complex; building 3 the last I heard. I was born in Dearborn, went to William B. Stout Junior High (where a Ford Tri-Motor model hung from the ceiling of the cafeteria), Edsel Ford High School, and U of M -Dearborn. I am what you call home grown talent! I work on the hybrid electric vehicle program and have been a member of the Ford family since 1993. I have 8 U.S. patents associated with HEV technology. Both have passed away now.
By: Margarita Perez
I come from a long line of Ford Employees. My father Faustino Hernandez started in 1951 at Monroe Stamping. His three brothers, Fernando, Oscar and Tony worked there. I also had two brothers Andy and Richard there. One Aunt also worked there. I have two cousins, myself, my ex husband and a niece and 2 nephews who also worked there. My son was a part timer before the plant closed. I'm very proud to be a part of the Ford family. If needed, I can provide more names and dates of service. My dad also was responsible for helping place Hispanics in the Ford Monroe Plant. Currently, there are only 3 of us left working for Ford Motor company. Ford Motor company is the best thing that has ever happened to my family. I would love to elaborate more.
By: Philip Olah Jr.
My name is Philip Olah Jr.
and I work at DTP now but originally worked at Norfolk Assembly Plant, Norfolk , Virginia. (Electrician Body Shop). My Dad worked at NAP 36 years [Millwright] and my Grandfather worked at NAP 42 years (Millwright). My 3 Uncles also worked at NAP (44yrs + 12yrs + 6mos). Also 2 great Uncles and 7 cousins for a total of 15 Family members and almost 300 years of service at Ford Motor Company!! I will talk to family and get exact years total. In regards to the request for family members who have worked at Ford…my father, now retired, worked in Vehicle Engineering for about 32 years, while my sister and brother-in-law still work at Ford (approx 30 years each now) along with myself, of course (18 years).
By: Dave Longridge
Current Employee - David Longridge (1988 - Present). Past Generation Employee - Paul M. Tudor (1942 - 1965). I have worked for Ford since 1988. I have spent my career in various MP&L positions, both plant and staff. I have supported both Powertrain operations MP&L, and Vehicle Operations MP&L. My assignments in the USA have taken me to Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Additionally, I have been on assignment in China since 2006 developing and leading MP&L groups at our JV's in Nanjing. My employment at Ford has provided priceless multi-cultural opportunities. I'm truly grateful for this. Though my parents did not work for Ford, both were born and raised in Dearborn. My multigenerational link is on my mother's side of the family. My grandfather (Paul M. Tudor) started working at Ford in approximately 1942-43 and retired as a chassis engineer at the end of December 1965. My mom's family moved into Springwells Park (Ford Foundation) when she was 4 years old (1941). As a young child, she remembers seeing the light beams from aircraft taking off and landing at the Ford airport at the test center off of Southfield St. Additionally, my mom and her friends used to ride bikes on the piece of property which is now TPC Dearborn (Golf Course). She also has fond memories from Ford picnics which were held by my grandfather's department every summer. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away before I started working at Ford - so we never really had the chance to exchange work stories. However, it is rewarding to know the Ford Motor Co has been a big part of our family from 1942 to present (nearly 70 years).
Posted Monday, June 13, 2011
By: Kurt Brinkman
Wanted to share my multigenerational Ford Family with you: My dad started at Ford in the mailroom when he was 19. He worked his way up to Regional Manager (MSS) and retired after 34 years. My mom started with Ford when she was 19 as a secretary, and left after 4 years to marry my dad. Office romances were not allowed back then. My older sister worked at Ford Aerospace when she was 20, and left after 5 years when the company sold the aerospace company. I started at Ford when I was 18 working in the LA Parts Depot during summer breaks from school. I just celebrated 31 years at Ford (MSS). Our family moved 8 times when dad was at Ford, and I have moved 12 times with the company. Total years at Ford for the Brinkman family = 74. Ford has been VERY good for our family.
By: Michael Lopez
My dad was an engineer here at Ford for 30 years. My dad was born in 1931 on a Mexican sharecropper farm, had no running water in his house until he was 15. He went to Korea and came back to get his engineering degree at Utah State. Moved here and started at Ford Motor Company in 1956. He rode into the old Detroit train station on Michigan Ave. Before that my Grandfather worked at the Rouge Plant. My grandfather originally was turned away by the hiring guard at the gate. His friend who got inside lifted the fence and my grandfather snuck under, went to the same hiring guard and got in. That is how my family's history began at Ford. I only hope my sons can also work here. I have blue oval blood cells.
By: John Ferguson
Although there are other families with more collective years with the company, I would like to share our story as homage to my Dad. My Father, John B. Ferguson, started with Ford right out of college. His first position with the company was at the Rouge plant. Although I wasn’t even born yet, I have heard stories of him coming home each night covered in soot from head to toe. My earliest recollection was of the long blue coat that had long been forgotten in the back of a closet. Covered in Ford patches that seemed really cool to a young boy, the coat was stained and torn from many years of wear. My Dad worked his way through many positions landing within the Human Resources organization in World Headquarters. He continued on within HR with many different responsibilities. I remember one day I came to work with him. This occurrence was rare as I only remember one, maybe two trips to the glass house. I have vague memories of the lobby, the cars, the bird silhouettes on the entry ramps, and that really long escalator (it seemed a mile long at the time). I am sure his office was nice but the only thing I remember was the large number of binders. I thought that my Dad must have been really important to have so many binders in his office. I now realize, based on the volumes I have in my cube, that the volume of binders does not equate to importance. I am sure he would have preferred to dispatch most if not all of them. My Dad was part of the team that created the first iteration of Ford Flex, at the time, a revolutionary concept in employee benefits. I know he received awards for this effort but I do not know the specifics. My Dad’s career at Ford moved our family on multiple occasions. We spent a couple years in Venezuela and a year in Mexico. After I went off to college, he got back onto international assignment and spent a few years in Australia and about six years in Japan. My Father worked hard for many years often sacrificing personal time to get the job done. Although he would never come out and say it, he is proud of his years of service to Ford. I started with Ford in 1997, almost two years after my Dad retired. I only have 13 years with the company but I feel as if I have been an employee since birth. My Dad never pushed me to work here. He never even pushed his fierce loyalty on me. Based on what I saw and what I learned from my Dad, the intense loyalty I have for the company was a birth right. At forty, I feel like the youngest 40 year employee we have.
By: Michael Laginess
My Dad, Milford P. Laginess, worked at the Ford Rouge Office building in the Rouge complex for nearly 35 years. I believe he was hired on in 1950 as a typist after 3 years in the Navy. He worked his on his engineering degree at Lawrence Tech after work finishing at the top of his class while raising a family with 7 children. He then continued as a Material & Handling engineer pioneering the automated part delivery system at Rouge Engine Plant, (mouse carts) and receiving a $5000 reward from the company in the process. He retired in the fall of 1984 as a SG 9 Engineering Supervisor. I still carry my Dad's old "Salaried Employee Identification" card in my wallet right next to my old one to this day. Also in the fall of 1984 I was hired in to Special Engineering Service, a contract firm, doing drafting work for the Engine Design Department at the old EEE (Engine and Electrical Engineering) building. I was hired on with Ford Motor Company in March of 1989 as a draftsman for Automatic Transmission in Livonia. I then transferred back to Engine Design, then to Casting Engineering and on to Manufacturing Engineering. Like my Dad, I finished my college degree while working and raising a family. My Dad instilled in me and all of my brothers and sisters, a great love for cars and Ford Motor in particular. He was on the Ford Racing Program for a while, I think the late 1960's and early seventies, during which time I became a huge fan of the Woods Brothers Racing team. As of now, I don't think I've been more proud of Ford, and working for Ford, as I am today. I'm currently working at CEP1, as a division engineer on the launch team, for the D35/37 V6's and EcoBoost V6's. P.S. My Dad's younger brother, Richard Laginess, worked for Ford as well and my older brother, Paul Laginess, works in Finance today.
By: Bethany Cristof
While growing up, my Dad worked for Ford as an engineer in transmissions and he ultimately stayed with the company for 28 years, just as he was about to be offered early retirement. Since then, he has moved away to another company in another state to finish out his working years. His situation was only a function of the hard times this company (and this state) has had to endure over the last 10 years. And conversely, as a sign of better times to come, I was recently hired in to the company. I often remember my Dad bringing home company cars, talking about his day-to-day, and I value the role that Ford played in my upbringing. Ford was the source of my family's livelihood, income that put a roof over our heads, food on our table, paid for college tuition… I wouldn't be where I am today without my Dad and his dedication to his career at Ford Motor Company. After graduating from college, I aspired to find a place here at the company, but economic conditions were not in my favor. With patience and a goal, I'm proud to now be a part of a tradition of excellence and innovation. As I now embark on a new, but familiar, journey in my own career, I hope to pass on the same pride within my own family.
By: William Rowland
My name is William F Rowland Jr. I have been a Ford Employee since May 27, 2003. I started as a contract employee in 1990 working for DST when I was contracted out to Ford Building #6 as a prototype mechanic working in Prototype Power Train Development and Assembly. I was fortunate to be able to work at the same building my father William F Rowland Sr. worked at as a sheet metal model maker for Ford. We worked in the same building for 2 years prior to his retirement. I continued working at Building #6 while changing contract company's I worked for Geometric Results Inc and transferred over to Kelly services all the while continuing at Build #6 .I was relocated to the Experimental Vehicle building in 1997 and hired into Ford in 2003.
Here is a little of my Ford Family History I'm very proud to present, starting with my Dad.
• William F. Rowland Sr. (Father): 1967 – 1992 (25 yrs.): Metal Model Maker. Building #6, New Body and Old Body.
• William G. Rowland (Grandfather): 1919 – 1954 ( 35 yrs.): He was injured when he was pulled into a machine and suffered a broken back and many lacerations. When he recovered, he returned to work at Ford Motor Co. and he was assigned a new job. He was responsible for follow-up on work orders. These work orders would be requests from the Spring and Upset Building to other areas of the company to supply services, tools or materials.
• George D. Rowland (Uncle): 1931 – 1980 (49 yrs.): Started Ford Trade School in 1931 at the age of 12 and graduated in 1934. After Ford Trade School, he had to attend Ford Apprentice School, after which he transitioned into a job with Ford Motor Company Engineering Department.
• Albert F. Rowland (Uncle): 1962 - 1992 (30 yrs.): Worked in the Pre-Production Department.
• I have worked for ford 23 yrs, my father-in-law is retired, he worked 40.5 yrs, my brother-in-law retired at 30, my wife's uncle retired at 30yrs, his son and son-in-law retired at 30 yrs, my other brother-in -aw has 24 yrs in, my cousin has almost 7 in. Lots of Ford people in our family!
Posted Monday, June 6, 2011
By: Denise O'Connell
My grandfather worked at the Rotunda as well as the "Glass House" as the head chef for 35 years when Henry Ford II was working. I worked at Headquarters in the coffee shop, which is now a gift shop, when I was 16 as a waitress for one summer. Both my mother and father worked for Ford. I worked at Ford Credit briefly, moved out of state, and then came back over 25 years later to Ford Credit for seven years, now I've been at Ford for almost four years.
By: Beth Berezansky
My maternal grandfather, Perry Hurd, worked for Ford for 35 years, from 1928 - 1963. I know this because I still have his gold pocket watch he received on his 35 year company anniversary. What is unique about this is that my grandfather was stricken with polio when he was 2 years old which left him unable to walk. Amazingly, he insisted on walking on crutches all his life instead of using a wheelchair. I believe that this insistence strengthened his upper body and was instrumental in his living to the age of 86 even though he wasn't expected to live to be an adult, let alone live to an old age. Henry Ford was one of few employers of his time to believe in hiring the disabled, allowing them the dignity and pride of work. My grandfather worked as a machine operator which was compatible with his disability. His years at Ford also provided him and my grandmother with a comfortable retirement for nearly 30 years. My father, Michael Berezansky, worked for Ford for 30 years, from 1952 - 1982. He held several positions at the Rouge plant from foreman to general foreman to superintendant. During his years at Ford, he was given many awards for his cost saving and efficiency suggestions. Not only did Ford allow him to provide well for our family, it also provided a comfortable retirement for him as well. Given my family history, I applied at Ford shortly after high school and worked as a secretary from 1978 - 1980. I was laid off in 1980 due to an economic downturn and was re-hired in 1985 - present. With tuition assistance from Ford and attending college at night and on weekends, I was able to obtain 3 degrees; an Associates in Commerce, a Bachelors, as well as Masters in Business. I've also worked in many different areas of Ford; Purchasing (production and FCSD), Demand Analysis, Lincoln Mercury, Fleet, Recall and Finance. This has provided me with a broad perspective on the Company as well as many interesting and diverse challenges.
By: Joseph Skynar
I am a 4th generation Ford employee and 3rd generation engineer. My great-grandfather was a die maker. He met Henry Ford personally when Mr. Ford tapped him on the shoulder and complimented his work. My grandfather was an engineer in body. My father, like me, was a chassis engineer.
By: Greg Harwood
My Grandfather was the head carpenter during the construction of Greenfield Village and Henry Ford museum. My father retired after 33 years service with Ford as a tool maker in engine build up. He also worked on the Ford farms and as a carpenter during the construction of Greenfield Village. He made the trellises for Mrs. Ford's Roses at the Mansion. My uncle retired from Ford Rawsonville. My father in-law retired from Ford Rawsonville. My wife's uncles retired from Ford. My aunt retired from Greenfield Village. Also have had many family friends and friends who have retired from Ford.
By: Sandra Dietrich
My father, Richard Hill, retired from Ford in 1997 and my grandfather, George Hill, worked for Henry Ford. Henry started the Wayside Inn Boys' School in Sudbury, Massachusetts and my grandfather was in one of his first classes. Henry selected wards of the state to attend, my grandfather was an orphan. That's why he often said, "Henry Ford saved my life." When he was ready to graduate, the boys were offered jobs in Dearborn so my grandfather moved to Dearborn. He attended the trade school for a while, but ended up working in food services. He worked for Henry in the executive cafeteria. He worked at the Rotunda before it burned down. I have great pictures of him in the Rotunda. I've also recently discovered the origins of a gold plate made by Lenox for Ford as a showpiece in their executive dining room. I have a photo copy from the Benson Ford Research Center and will frame the picture with the plate. As far as my family can tell, it is the only surviving plate from the Rotunda. My grandfather retired with 35 years at Ford, but sadly passed away shortly after he retired. My father was an electrician for the company. There are many, many proud families that have a great history with the company.
Posted Monday, May 27, 2011
By: David and Nancy Smith
My Grandfather was born in 1894, Charles R. Smith. He was hired by Ford in 1912 to work for Henry Ford's secretaries, Frank Campsall and E. G. Liebold, at the main office in Highland Park, Michigan. When Henry Ford gave his friend Thomas Edison a Model-T, he assigned my Grandfather to teach the inventor to drive. "He ran over the curb the first time out," said my Grand father, who also recalls giving driving lessons to another of Henry Ford's friends, the poet Edgar A. Guest. After World War II, my Grandfather became the company
liquidator. He remembers working late one night at the company bank in Dearborn, Mich., and hearing tapping at his window. It was Henry and Clara Ford, wanting "shopping" money. My father was Elwin Smith, who worked on the Company Ore Boats as a cabin boy for Henry Ford, Mr. Ford told my father to cure baldness which, my father had at a young age, to put diesel oil on his head. He was later hired to work in the Dearborn Tool and Die building as hourly, after the war. In 1952 he transferred to salary, and worked with vendors. in Metal Stamping Division, where he retired in 1975. My uncle, Charles Smith jr., who was my father's brother. He worked for Ford at Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village before the War, then moved to California and worked as a Company Statistician at the San Jose Assembly Plant. He ran into Henry Ford many times at the Ford School at Greenfield Village while he was dating my Aunt, who attended the School in the 1930's. I have worked for Ford for 33 years, starting out at the Dearborn Frame Plant, then the Food Processing Center and then Air Transportation. Now finally at Twin Cities Assembly for the past 25 years. My brother Brian, works for Ford in Dearborn at Purchasing. We have been a Ford Family since 1912.
By: Jim Smutek
I too have a lengthy family history with Ford, beginning in 1921-1961 my Great Grandfather Mizzoni (mason - open hearth furnaces). Grandfather Mart 1936-1984 (electrician). His wife; Grandmother Mart 1941-1945 (WWII plane engine bagger). Uncle Carinci 1930-1969 (millwright/maintenance). Dad Smutek 1967-2000 (mechanical engineer). His wife-My Mom Smutek 1959-1964 (executive secretary). Uncle Richard Martella 1964-1968 (summer assembly help), Uncle Ronald Martella 1973 (summer assembly help). My Fiancé Judy Wright 1994- presently on Door Line DTP, and myself Jim Smutek 1988-presently EQI driver DTP.
By: Heather Diepeveen
My Grandpa, Clark Miller worked in the Rouge steel mill and became a metallurgist. He worked on the bomber wings in KC (to be assembled at Willow Run) and later in Mahwah as a Materials Lab Supervisor. Retired 1973-ish with nearly 40 years of service. My Dad,
Bob Diepeveen worked in Michigan Truck in Quality and later went to AAD/B&A (VO) Interior Trim Engineer, Retired 1994 with 30 years. Great Uncle Harold "Bud" Dawson worked in PD incl. working on the "Big Red" turbine engine truck with 30+ years. Great Uncle Walter Nelles worked at the Michigan Proving Grounds with 30+ years. Great Uncle John Dawson worked as an hourly painter at Wayne Assy with 30+ years. Great Uncle Gordon "Bing" Miller worked in Body Asy at AAD/B&A (VO) with 30+ years. Great Uncle Doug Dawson worked at Wayne Assy as a Line Supervisor and left due to the war, came back to Ford and later had to retire with less than 30 years due to his war injuries (got shot in the chest and the bullet hit a pen in his pocket. The pen deflected the bullet but he was injured from the shrapnel). Great Uncle Joseph Eberle worked at Rouge Assy Plant with 30+ years. Second Cousin Richard Dawson worked at Wixom Assy as a Front End Alignment Specialist with 30+ years. Second Cousin Robert Beach worked at Michigan Truck and AAD/B&A (VO) in painting systems with 20+ years. Cousin Ronald Ewert in Engine Systems Engineering with currently 18. Heather Diepeveen 10 years in PD - AVT & Body and now in FCSD - PS&L currently with 20 years. Lots of stories surrounding everyone's time at Ford. While many of my family members are no longer with us, the Ford-blue runs deep in our veins!
By: Cynthia Ayers
Our family story has 2 parts - my husband and I both met working at Ford on the 1994 Mustang launch at Dearborn assy. My husband worked at Ford for over 30 years in the Rouge and Dearborn engine plant. My husband worked as a millwright in skilled trades and then later in maintenance supervision, then Powertrain resident engineer and Field service supervision. He is now retired. His dad also worked for Ford for over 30 years at Dearborn engine plant in engine manufacturing and hot test supervision. He has now passed away after being retired from Ford for over 20 years. But the best part of our story is our adopted grandparents; Frank and Anne Dolsen. Grandpa, just celebrated his 90th birthday. He worked for Henry Ford on the farm in the late 1930's - early 1940's before he enlisted in the air force in WWII. He actually worked on the farm as did his father working , both working for Henry Ford. He started out as a teenager at the age of 14 or so helping out on the farm. His father did landscaping work and farming/gardening for Henry Ford and members of the Ford family. Frank was just telling me the story of how his father used to do gardening for one of the Ford cousins by the last name of Bryant Ford. She really liked him as a gardener because he whistled while he worked. Frank has many wonderful stories of how he started working for Henry Ford sweeping the floors and dusting some of the early classroom chairs and desks. Henry asked him how he liked his job and his response was that "he liked the job well enough but there was not much future in it - sweeping floors". Henry told him that even a baby has to crawl before he can walk. I guess Henry liked his response because a few days later he was told to report to the gauge room to start work making gauge blocks. Shortly after his time making gauge blocks, he enlisted in the air force and learned to fly B17's in the war. He was a ball turret gunner in WWII flying 15 successful missions before being shot down over Germany. He spent about 1 1/2 years in German prison camp before walking across Austria with the surviving POW's to freedom when the war was over. You may want to talk directly to him as he is a walking history book and at 90 years old may not have many story telling days left. Frank remembers Thomas Edison being at the labs with Henry Ford and he remembers Harvey Firestone as well. His memory is still very sharp. My children and I love listening to his stories of his early years at Ford and World war II. But most of all his humble attitude and gratitude and faith in God have helped him to persevere through all the challenges he has faced to this day. He is truly part of the Ford family history and a great American hero.
Posted Monday, May 23, 2011
By: Steve Minch
I'm with Ford in the computer data
center. I started with Ford Credit in 1994, and moved to the Ford data center in 2004, so I currently have over 16 years, plus 7 more years spent in Dearborn at Ford with a supplier (IBM). I tell people that I have 23 years of knowing the best places to eat in Dearborn! My mom was at the NAAO / QMP building at Oakwood and Southfield, back when it was relatively new and had (woo woo!) an escalator! She was what we would call an administrative assistant for some years before I came along and Mom decided to be a full time mom and forgo her Ford career. Her father (my grandfather) was a 40-year Ford man. He worked at various plants as a line supervisor, including the Willow Run bomber plant during World War II, and the Livonia Transmission site when it was a tank plant. I have his service-anniversary Ford cufflinks/tie-tacks at home in my dresser. I don't have any children, but I have a nephew who is Mustang-crazy and hopes to one day work here! He's not old enough to drive quite yet, but already studies each Mustang he sees on the road, and has a die-cast Mustang that I got for him last year from our WHQ store.
By: Francis Joel Watters
My name is Francis Joel Watters and I started with Ford as an agency employee in 1999 and was hired full-time in 2004. I am a Master Engineering Technologist in the Powertrain NVH Research and Development department here in Dearborn. You could say my existence today is due in part to Ford Motor Company. My Grandfather, Joseph Edward Behers, worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Altoona, Pennsylvania from 1948 until 1955, after returning home from Word War Two. From 1952-1955 he was laid off several times as an electrician in the coach rebuilding shops and decided he needed to find a more stable job. He traveled to Ohio and applied for a job at the Cleveland Casting Plant around 1955. He was hired there and worked in Cleveland until 1966. He then bid into a job at the then new Woodhaven Michigan Stamping plant, and moved to Monroe, Michigan with his family in 1966. He worked in Woodhaven in several areas until about 1990, when I believe he retired. He passed away in 1992. My Mother Deborah was a teenager when the Behers family came to Monroe and she eventually met and married my Father Francis Watters there in 1970. I came along in 1972. I have an older Sister, Alisha Cooley and a younger Brother, Christopher Watters. None of us would be here today were it not for my Grandfather bidding into a job at the Woodhaven Stamping plant which eventually led to my parents meeting. A photo of my Grandfather Joseph at the Woodhaven plant circa 1985 is attached. He is standing to the left of the die loaded in the sling of the overhead crane. Additionally, my Father-in-Law Jeff Brown retired from the Monroe Stamping Plant after 30 years of service to the company retiring in 2000. He moved to Monroe from Tennessee in 1964, and started with Ford in 1970. Again, I would not have met my wife Julie and had three sons, Luke, Samuel and Benjamin if it were not for Ford employing her Father in my hometown of Monroe where we met and were married in 1999. We are definitely a multi-generational Ford family. Who knows, maybe one of my sons will follow after me. They are in the picture to left reassembling the underside of a Ford Model T at The Henry Ford last Christmas.
By: Aaron Johnson
Both sides of family have worked for three generations at Ford's.
My wife's Family Tree:
- Grandfather Chester Gerisch (Ford Rouge) - hired directly by Henry Ford I after Henry Ford caught him exercising entrepreneurship selling orange drinks outside Henry Ford's $5.00 work day.
- Grandfathers' brother-in-law (Willow Run Bomber Plant): When it was called "Will it Run?" he made it run kicking out a bomber an hour during WWII (directly hired by Henry Ford I out of Buffalo, New York).
- Father Charles Markey, Engineer (Rouge Steel Basic Oxygen Furnace- Carl Valdeseri).
- Rebecca Markey (wife), Engineer, Accountant (Rouge Steel J9 Lab, Accounting- Carl Valdeseri).
My Family Tree:
- Grandfather Leonard Johnson, Die Maker (Ford Foundry).
- Father Ardale Johnson, Engineer (Ford PDC). Aaron Johnson (me), Designer (Ford Dynamometer).
- My children (4th generation) attend or will be attending Henry Ford Academy located at the Henry Ford and four generations of my family have ridden the frog on the carousel acquired by Henry Ford I for Greenfield Village.
By: Jim Woloskie
I am the fourth (direct) generation to work for Ford Motor Company. My great-grandfather, Lucian Duprey, started with Ford Motor Company in 1915. I do not know what year he retired but I do know that he celebrated a 35th anniversary with Ford. I have pictures and the dinner program from that celebration in December 1950. His son-in-law was my grandfather, Alex Woloskie. He started with Ford on May 25, 1931 and retired on June 01, 1972 (the year I was born). He spent the majority of his career working in the Rouge complex, eventually moving to Livonia Transmission. His son is my father, William Woloskie. My dad started with Ford on March 3, 1964. During his tenure with Ford, he also served four years in the Navy during the Vietnam War and attended night school, receiving a bachelor's degree from Madonna University in 1991 (the year I graduated from high school). He received a medical retirement after suffering a stroke in 1993. He spent the majority of his career at Livonia Transmission Plant but retired from the Sterling Axle Plant. I started with Ford at Worldwide Direct Market Operations (Export) in the year 2000. I currently work in NAFLRO in Ford's Vehicle Remarketing Department; the best department in the company!
Posted Monday, May 16, 2011
By: Gerald Trotman
Hi, my name is Gerald Trotman and I am a third generation Ford Motor Company employee. My grandfather, James H. Trotman worked for Ford, at Norfolk Assembly and retired before I can remember. I don’t know what job he did, or what department he worked in. I believe he actually retired early on a medical, but I’m not sure of that. Unfortunately, I don’t know much of the history of his time at Ford. My father, Henry R. Trotman, worked for Ford, at Norfolk Assembly as well. He worked production in Final Assembly and eventually became a water test inspector. After that, he drove trucks from pre-delivery, and parked them outside where Motor Convoy workers would pick them up and take them out the gate to the loading area. About three years before he retired, way back in 1993, he convinced me to apply at Ford. I was working commercial construction at the time as a stone mason. It took about two months and I was hired as a full time employee in April of 1993. I moved from Richmond, Virginia, back to North Carolina and began commuting to Norfolk, Virginia every day to work in the paint department at Norfolk Assembly. My first job was alcohol wipe, prepping the units before the tackoff booth in prime. I spent a little time in E-coat scuff and prime scuff, and eventually went to spillout and polished defects for about 3 years. During this time, my dad ended up taking a job in the repair area in paint, changing out hoods with major defects. I think he really enjoyed working in the repair area, but he had 32 years in and he was very much ready to retire. Now he spends his days doing pretty much whatever he wants to do, and in the summer, he spends a large portion of his time at his property in West Virginia where he has made a home away from home. At the end of my 3 years in spillout, I guess I lost favor with supervision there, and I was exiled to E-coat. I worked at chain-up and de-chain for about a year and finally worked my way into the sealer area. I eventually worked every sealer job and ended up on roof ditch wipe for a while. I ended up working as backup for the upgrader and for the pvc robot operator. While I was in the sealer area, I tested for Skilled Trades and somehow managed to get on the list for the apprenticeship. After that, I ended up back in spillout for about another year before being picked up as a Millwright apprentice. I completed the apprenticeship in just less than 3 years, and was picked up as a journeyman in the body shop. I was quickly bumped to paint and then again to final assembly where I stayed until just before the plant closed. I transferred to Dearborn Truck in May of 2007 and have been working in the final area since then. I have nearly eighteen years with the company now, eight in production and 10 in trades. I recently managed to talk my son into working toward a career at Ford as well. He moved to Michigan from North Carolina, in the hopes the he will become a fourth generation Ford employee. I hope that he can someday realize the same success that I have with the company. Ford Motor Company has been very good to my family over the years. I'm sorry I didn’t have more information on my grandfather’s tenure with the company. I never thought much to ask about it until recently, and when I questioned my dad about it, he didn’t have much information for me either. I’m sure it would be very interesting to know what it was like for workers so long ago. I hope my story has been helpful. Thanks for reading it.
By: James Waldecker
My name is Jim Waldecker and I work in R&A under Fuel Cell Stack & Hydrogen Materials Research. My father worked at Ford for over 40 years from May 1966 until his retirement in February 2007. He worked on vehicle crash testing from 1966 to 1987, and then on vibrational testing of transmission components at Livonia Transmission from 1987 to 2007. During my dad's time in vehicle crash testing, he worked at what was then known as the Automotive Safety Center on Village Road in Dearborn. Later, after the building was renamed the Fuel Cell Center, I worked there as well. I now work at RIC.
By: Glenn Clark
My name is Glenn R. Clark and I would like to give a little history about the Glenn W. Clark family's service record at Ford Motor Co.
Glenn W. Clark, now deceased, began working at the Milford Mi. Carburetor plant in 1938 and retired as the Security supervisor at the Saline, Mi. plant in 1972 with 34 years of service.
I, Glenn R. Clark, the eldest son, began as a stock handler at the Ypsilanti plant and retired in 1995 from the Sheldon Road plant in Plymouth, Mi. as a production control supervisor with 25 years of service.
My brother, Coral M. Clark, now deceased, began his employment in 1956 at the Milford plant also and retired as a plant engineering supervisor in 2004 with 48 years of service. Coral's oldest son, Brad and Brad's wife Carrie both work at Michigan Assembly plant in Wayne, Mi. and each have 22 years of service in the skilled trades. Coral's other son, Rex, is employed at the Rawsonville Plant in Michigan and at this time has 15 years of service.
Our youngest brother, Bill and his family all are members of the Ford team. Bill retired in 1995 from the Saline plant as a quality control supervisor with 31 years of service. His wife, Nora, was a hourly employee at Saline who had to take a medical retirement after 17 years of service. Their oldest son, Bill Jr. has worked for Ford for 22 years and is employed at the Washington D.C. High Velocity Parts Center in Winchester, Va. Steve, the youngest son is employed at the Saline, Mi. facility and has 19 years service
You can see by adding up each family member's service that the total comes to 255 years of dedicated service. Our family is proud of that record.
By: Dawn Samples
Hello, my name is Dawn Samples and I'm responding to "Your Family Tree" that my husband brought home from work. My husband, Mike's family goes back a few generations - starting with the opening of the Ford Ypsilanti Plant with his grandfather William Reid. William Reid brought his trade of tool making from Scotland and his title was Tool Room General Foreman. Then Mike's father Ralph Samples also retired from Ford as a painter. His brother William Samples started at the Ypsilanti Plant in 1971 as an hourly employee, moving up to line supervisor, worked himself up to shift manager. He transferred to the Rawsonville Plant and is still there. Mike started at the Ypsilanti plant in 1978 as a Cleanup Supervisor, having various titles through the years...production, maintenance, tool room, engineering and retiring and closing the Ypsilanti plant in January 2009 as shift manager. Now he is working as a contract employee at the Rouge as a Manufacturing Operation Specialist. Also my son, his step-son, Timothy Sadowski also worked in 2005 as a contract production supervisor at Ypsilanti. How's that for a Tree? Also, another family or generation...My step-father's, father, William Clifford Wedyke retired from Ford after 38 years of service. But he started at the Highland Park Ford Plant as security. But actually was Edsel Ford's chauffeur and body guard for Henry and Billy and worked for Josephine. He passed away in 1979.
Posted Monday, May 9, 2011
By: Brian Carroll
Peter Carroll (1st generation -
Scottish immigrant through Ellis Island) - my grandfather worked for Ford and retired from Ford (believe he retired somewhere between 1963-65) - think he worked in the rouge for his career (blue collar mostly - assembly line work). He passed away in 1966 before I was born. George Carroll (2nd generation) - my father - started at GM on the line - but passed Ford's apprenticeship program test for Tool and Die in 1967. He worked for Ford as a tool and die maker mostly in the rouge complex (tool and die, frame plant and WHQ - very briefly) from 1967 - 1991 - when he passed away. My father always said he thought "Ford has the best management of the Big Three." Brian Carroll (3rd generation) - First white Collar Ford employee - started as an summer student/intern while at U of M - Dearborn, started full time in 1989 upon graduation at Body and Assembly. I have spent my entire career here at Ford, moving twice (Atlanta, GA and London, England) and now am an engineering supervisor in Vehicle Operations.
By: Leonard Quagliotto
My dad, Silvio, grew up in Italy and completed a 6th grade education before he left school to help out on the family farm. When he was 19 years old, he left Italy for a brighter future and immigrated to Windsor, Canada and took a job as a truck driver. After marrying my mom (who was from Detroit), he moved to the U.S. and worked for Wonder Bread and Hostess Bakery for several years. He then found a job at Ford at what was then called the Mt. Clemens Paint and Vinyl plant where he spent the next 28 years (I think) until he retired. He was a member of the UAW and worked very hard, often 7 days per week and sometime 12-16 hours a day to provide for his family. He was very proud to work Ford and very proud when he became a citizen of the greatest country in the world, the USA. He also had two brothers who settled in Windsor Canada and both of them worked for Ford of Canada, so I come from a strong first generation Ford family. I have been blessed to work at Ford in IT for the past 26 years and carry on my family's pride of working for such a great family company.
By: Christine Boese
I belong to a multigenerational Ford family. Both grandfathers worked at Ford. My paternal grandfather, Anthony Kurys, came over from Poland and worked starting in the 1920's in the steel mill for over 25 years. My maternal grandfather, William Schillinger, worked in the plant for a short period of time before he became a Detroit Police officer. Ruth Kurys (Schillinger), my mother, began working at Ford as a secretary in Personnel at Gate 4 for 9 years beginning in 1942 and left to start a family. My father, Henry Kurys, had 37 years with Ford Motor Company beginning in 1950 with his last position as a supervisor in Material Control until his death in 1987. I have had numerous uncles and cousins employed at Ford. I began my career at Ford Motor Company in Materials Engineering in 1977 and left to raise my two children. I came back in 2002 and am currently working in Body Engineering. I also have a brother, Henry, currently employed by the company. For a more detailed explanation, please feel free to contact me.
By: Jennifer Cornea
I wanted to share that I am so proud to be a Ford Multigenerational Family member!! My Grandfather, John Cornea came to the US from Europe (Romania) and while staying in Ohio with his relatives heard that there was work in Detroit (Highland Park) for Ford Motor Company. So he left his family and headed to Michigan! My father John Cornea (who is going to be 90 years old this coming June) also started with Ford Motor Company in 1939 while he was still in high school at Fordson High. He worked for the company for 52 years! He was a Tool and Die maker and worked in Dearborn the entire time. I am the 3rd generation Cornea to join the team in 1988 full time with Ford Motor Credit Company in Dearborn as well! I wish I had more details on my Grandfathers employment records and my Fathers but I am thankful that my Dad shared his Fathers love of the company and knew it would stay strong. My Dad of course is still VERY much a Ford man and always will be and I am a true Ford Blue Girl myself! Thank you for asking for this! I know my Dad will be thrilled to know I was able to share a little bit of our 3 generations of being a part of the Ford Family
Posted Monday, May 2, 2011
By: John Kundrot
Hello. My name is John Kundrot and my family has been involved with Ford Motor Company over the generations. My grand fathers both worked for Ford Motor Company. One was a plant protection guard and
the other was a time keeper. My mother started as a secretary at gate 4. She then moved to the Rouge office building in communications. From there, she went to Ford World Headquarters. Once there, she had many interactions with Henry Ford II, Lee Iacocca and many other storied men in Ford history. She was voted to be Ford Motor Companies one and only St. Patrick Day Queen. My Mothers penmanship is exceptional and she addressed Mrs. Fords Christmas cards and helped host her tea parties at Fairlane Manor. Dad was a tin smith at Ford for 30 years. He had many accomplishments that we are very proud of. Unfortunately, he was hurt in the Rouge Power House explosion. The loss of his friends there had a very lasting effect on my father for the remainder of his life. I have had several cousins and uncles working in engineering, assembly and other areas of Ford. As for myself, I became a Ford engineer in 1989. I have worked in several assembly plants and was given the opportunity to develop several patents on power train sensors that my family is very proud of. Ford Motor Company is such an integral part of our family history. As a child, I can remember my family talking about Ford with great pride and respect. I did not know it at the time, but I believe I was destined to keep the tradition going. It has been a great privilege to work here and I have a great deal of gratitude for the opportunities Ford has presented my family over the generations.
By: Kyle Freitag
I am the fourth generation to work at Ford Motor Company. My Great Grandfather Henry Freitag worked for 26 years (1914-1940) at the engine building in the Rouge complex machining engine parts. My Grandfather Gordon Freitag worked for 36 years (1946-1982) at Dearborn Proving Grounds. My Mother Denise Freitag worked for 6 years (1970-1976) as an admin and 6 more years (1988-9494) in press relations. My Father Richard Freitag worked for 38 years (1969- 2007) in purchasing and is still actively working for Ford Service Department. I, Kyle Freitag, have worked in electrical electronic system engineering since Dec. 3 1999. My other great grandfather on my father side also worked at Ford Motor Company. His name was John Carlson and worked for 38 years (1914- 1952) in the Rouge complex as an engine supervisor in the Motor Building. My Great Grandfather John Carlson built a single family home located in the Ford Homes District. My Father Richard Freitag bought the house in 1972.Then in 1999 I purchased the family home.
By: Nancy Fricano
My husband, Roy Fricano, is a 3rd generation Ford UAW employee. He's currently employed as a skilled trades plumber-
pipefitter at the R&E Center in Dearborn, and started in 2000. His mother [Mary Fricano] retired from sewing vehicle interiors at the former Utica Trim Plant. She worked for Ford from 1964-1995. Roy's late grandfather, Joseph Grech, worked at the Rouge foundry; retiring sometime in the early 1960's. We believe he worked for Ford for nearly 40 years. What I find interesting is that none of these 75+ years of service overlapped between the three generations. The closest we got to family members working concurrently was from 1991-1995, when my mother-in-law and I were both employed at Ford, and of course, since 2000 when my husband and I both were working for this great company of ours!
By: Ted Lukasik
My name is Ted Lukasik and I just recently celebrated a 40 year anniversary with the company, on 01-29-2001, at the Ford-Brownstown PRC. My mother retired with 27.5 years from the PRC. My ex-wife worked at the EEE bldg in Dearborn and we hope to see our sons Marc & Stephen to one day also to be Ford employees. My son, Marc Lukasik will soon have his PhD in Industrial Organizational Physcology. My son Stephen recently graduated from U of M with a degree in Finance. He has applied for a job at FoMoCo and is hoping to be hired someday soon. Also, my ex-wife's father work at Ford during the 1930's & 1940's and her mother worked at the bomber plant during WW11.
By: Leonard Prezecki
The Prezecki family's combined years of service total 90 years. My father worked here for 32, my mother for 30, and my wife for 12. I'm currently on my 16th year with the Company, and looking to serve another 16 (at least)! My father started in the research garage as a technician. He worked his way into a salary position over the years, and ended his career in FCSD, Heavy Truck. My mother worked her entire career in Ford Credit, working from a grade 1 to a grade 8. My wife started as a contract engineer at Edison Assembly, moved into Ford as a direct hire for Vehicle Operations, and chose to become a full time mom 2 years ago from her position in Purchasing, Supplier Technical Assistance. I started in 1994 as a facilities engineer in "B&A," and worked several jobs in manufacturing for the past 15 years. I am now working in Product Design for the Global Tooling Team. You could say, we almost have the entire enterprise covered, Design, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Service, and Credit! Now I just need a Marketing job to balance it all out! I have some ideas, if anyone has an LL6 opening…
By: Jeffrey Schulz
Hello, I am a third generation Ford employee. In fact, a large part of my family was or currently is employed with Ford Motor Company. My grandmother, my father, and his brother have all worked at ford. My grandmother retired in the mid 90’s and worked in the Facilities group, my father is still employed with Ford (35 years) in NVH Research and Development, and my uncle worked for Ford but was rolled into Visteon when they were separated from the company (his wife also currently works at Ford in Cockpit and control design). In addition, my grandmother’s sister and her two sons and one of her grandchildren all at one time worked for ford. Ford has really become a family business for us. Growing up surrounded by the auto industry has really had a dramatic effect on my life and is really what has brought me back to Ford Motor Company. Prior to working at Ford, I worked in management consulting where I was exposed to many industries and companies. However, none of these industries compared to the auto industry and none of the companies had the allure of Ford Motor Company. The day I received my offer from Ford Motor Company was a very proud one for my entire family, as they were all happy to see the tradition continue.
Posted Monday, April 25, 2011
By: Genie O'Shesky
My grandfather (hourly, not sure how many years), father (salaried, 23 years), myself (salaried, currently almost 19 years) and my daughter (hourly, 5 years) have all worked for Ford -- four generations! I'm married and my father-in-law (44 years) and my husband (20 years) have worked for the Company, as well. To expand on the multigenerational portion of my family: My grandfather was a Polish immigrant who came to Detroit in order to find work and have a better living. After getting a job at the Rouge facility, he married and had seven children. He retired from the Company at 65. My father, the oldest child, served in WWII, returned, married and then found work at Ford. He began his career in Dearborn (I believe at the test facility). He then was transferred to the Livonia Transmission plant where he worked on experimental manual transmissions. His favorite assignment was participating in the Formula 1 race program in the 1960's. He traveled to Daytona, Sebring and LeMans and was instrumental in keeping the transmissions in the Formula 1 cars operational. I have the photos taken by the Company photographer of many of those races, as well as the "job well done trophies" the participants received. I like to tell my kids that the Dan Gurney car at the Henry Ford Museum was actually one of the cars worked on by the grandfather. Kind of cool. He retired in 1980 after 23 years of service. I began working at Ford in 1992 after a career as a paralegal. I have had many assignments, beginning as an entry level administrative assistant in Building 3, moved onto the OGC, then to the old Michigan Truck Plant and am currently a scheduler and merchandiser at the Brownstown Complex (Ford Customer Service Division). I have been very fortunate to have been in four different divisions of the Company and found my different assignments to be fun, challenging and rewarding. Ford has enabled me to attain a professional growth I never thought possible. My daughter, currently 28, began employment at the Michigan Truck Plant, was transferred to the original Dearborn Assembly Plant and finished her Ford experience at the Dearborn Truck Plant. She participated in the hourly buy out program several years ago, has gone onto college and will be attending a law school either in Washington or Louisiana in the fall. Ford has given my family many things and many different experiences. As a child, we traveled with my father to Daytona and enjoyed the sun and pool while he worked (he was gone A LOT). I have experienced many different assignments so I am always learning something new. My daughter grew up in the Ford work environment and Ford helped teach her responsibility that will allow her to attain her goals. My daughter and I are proud to say that four generations worked for this great Company.
By: Ron Tomcho
My name is Ron Tomcho. I retired on 12/1/2008 from the Cleveland Plants. I was the UAW Skilled Trades Chairman when I retired. My Father Emil Tomcho started at Cleveland Engine Plant 1 (the first plant to open at the site) in May 1952, when CEP-1 opened their doors. He was hired as a UAW production job setter on the block line back then. After working as a UAW worker for five years my father decided to go into a salary position and become a supervisor in that area. He moved up the ladder very quick back then becoming a general supervisor and then becoming a superintendent all within five years. Back then, my Father was the youngest to become a superintendent at Ford and this was noted t in the Ford News papers. He worked at both Engines Plants CEP-1 to 1970 and then in CEP-2 as the block line superintendent until he retired in 1980. My Father passed away 2/5/1992. He was my father and best friend and he was always kind to everyone, hourly and salary. I started at Ford CEP-2 on 9/1/1969 as a production worker on the new 351 engine assembly line. After seven years working in production and getting bumped around to all three plants CEP-1, CEP-2 and Cleveland Casting Plant, on different shifts as well, I started the Ford/UAW Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Program. I became a journeyman millwright in August 1979 and then worked as a millwright until I ran for and was elected to the UAW Skilled Trades Chairman in 2002. I was elected three terms in row which is very rare at the Cleveland Site. All told, the two generations of Tomcho's totals 56 years at the Cleveland Site.
By: Sally Baia
I am a third generation Ford employee. Both my grandfathers, John Baia Sr. and Wesley Tierney, worked as laborers at Windsor Engine Plant. My father, John Baia Jr. was an engineer at the Windsor Casting Plant until he retired. My first husband, Trent Reaume, worked in the dyno lab at Essex Engine Plant until he passed away in 2004. My husband Ted Misiasz is a quality technician at Windsor Engine Plant. I have just passed the fifteen year mark at Ford and I'm working as a controls engineer at Essex Engine Plant. My son, Tim Reaum,e came very close to becoming the fourth generation when he was hired on for the third shift at Oakville. Unfortunately the shift was cancelled before he could begin work. So I guess you could say we are certainly a Ford family!
By: Elizabeth Blazo
I am a fourth generation Blazo to work for Ford. My great-grandfather, John Blazo, worked at Wayne Assembly, as a metal finisher. My grandfather, Joe Blazo, worked in body engineering in Dearborn for 61.5 years. As a young boy, my grandfather had the opportunity to meet and talk to Henry Ford I, while on Mr. Ford's property near Fairlane. My father, Richard Blazo, worked at Dearborn Assembly- body and trim department, Dearborn Stamping- heavy presses, and Dearborn Truck- trim department, spending a total of 35 years at Ford. I currently work in Accounting Policy and Special Studies. In addition, other family members have worked or are working for Ford, including my great uncle Joe Rigiel and uncle John Blazo.
By: Cindy James
Our Ford family history covers many years. My Uncle Chuck (Charles Brown) worked at the Rouge Plant for over 50 years. I remember when I would go visit my cousins who lived in Detroit, my Uncle, who never owned a car, would catch the Greenfield bus for the afternoon shift at the Rouge.
Upon graduation from college, I accepted my position at Ford, then I found out that my Dad and Mom, both worked at Ford Motor for a short period of time in 1955. My Mom quit because she was expecting me and my Dad decided to leave the company to pursue other business experience.
In 1977 I started at Ford, the week I graduated from college. The next year (1978) my sister, Laura Anderson, started working at Ford Motor. Finally in 1984, my youngest sister, Beverly Tubbs, started at Ford Motor as member of the high school coop program.
As you tell, we have a rich family history with Ford. I am the oldest of nine, and proud to say we have all our other brothers and sisters driving Ford vehicles!!!
But the best part of the story, was at my youngest daughter's outdoor wedding, see how my granddaughter and nephew came down the aisle as the flower girl and ring bearer.
By: Kim Bagoon
My (maternal) grandfather, Herbert Young, worked for Ford for over 40 years. Then my father, Bert Zadoorian, worked for Ford for 30 years. I believe they both worked in the same organization at the Highland Park plant at one point but didn't know each other. I've been with Ford for almost 23 years; I can't wait to be a century Ford family.
Posted Tuesday, April 18, 2011
By: Genie O'Shesky
My father, uncle, sister and myself have worked at Ford. My name is Heather Allen. I work at Brownstown PRC...in Romulus, Mich. I have been with Ford since I was 20 yrs old...all of my adult life. My father and uncle both retired from Ford. I am very proud to be apart of the Ford family. I am coming up on 19 yrs at Ford. I am very happy with the progress that the Company has made...job security for me and my family.
By: A White
My Dad worked at KCAP for over 30 years with most of his time was spent on multilevel and still is living in Richmond in the same house in which I was raised. He retired in March of 1984. Ford has put a roof over my head all my life. Ford has put food on my table all my life along with my 2 brothers and sister. My oldest brother worked on the railroad at KCAP setting up railcars bridges until he retired in 2002. My other brother worked as an assembler on the line in passenger for years and then to a water repairman job for years and to a PM Clerk until he retired in 2001. My sister works at the seat factory, building the seats for the Escape and still works there. I have been at Ford going on 20 years and plan on retiring here when my time comes up. Thanks Ford Motor Company for making my life better.
By: Frank Spiceland
I am proud to be a 4th generation Ford employee! Our Ford story started about 66 years ago with my great grandmother, Mamie Spiceland. Things were much different then. Mamie felt like she needed to "get out of the house" and asked her husband for permission. Permission was granted and I am so thankful for that! Mamie worked at the Ypsilanti plant until she retired in 1970. She has since passed. Following in her footsteps was my dad, Dan Spiceland. He started working in 1972, at the age of 18, at the Dearborn plant. My paternal grandfather, Roy Spiceland, also worked at the Dearborn plant in 1974. My dad, Dan, transferred to the Indianapolis plant in 1988 where he retired in 2007. And that brings us to me, Frank Spiceland. I started working for the Indianapolis Ford plant shortly out of high school in 1998. I worked at the Indianapolis plant until its recent announcement of plans to close and took the opportunity to transfer to the Lima Engine plant in November 2010. Ford has treated our family well and we hope to represent their name for generations to come!
By: Terry Tajak
Our family has four generations of Ford workers. My Grandfather William Henry Moore worked at the Rouge complex as a metalurgist (calculating gross steel mixtures) for approx 37 years. He was very proud to work for Ford and taught us that good work ethic was an important part of our lives. During the depression, my Grandfather was laid off of work at Ford for a number of years. When Ford contacted him to return to work, he found out that he would be making five dollars a day and cried. He would always say there were only two times in his life that he cried, when his mother passed away and when he was called back to work and was going to be making five dollars a day. He had two children who are still living today. My Uncle James Berry Moore worked as a journeyman tool and die maker for 30 years. He worked at the Rouge complex as well. He is still with us and will be 83 years old this October. He has many fond memories of working for Ford. He started to work for Ford on 7/14/1947 on the assembly line at Dearborn Assembly for $1.28 per hour. He worked on the assembly line for three years prior to going into the Tool and Die Apprenticeship program in June 1950. January 17th 1951 my uncle went into the Armed Forces to serve in Korea. He returned in September of 1952 and was discharged in Oct of 1952 and had 90 days to report back to work. He reported to work in January of 1953 and completed the Apprenticeship program in 1956. He then worked as a tool and die maker on various Ford vehicles including cars and trucks until 7/31/1977 and retired on July 31st 1977. He will be retired for 34 years in July of 2011. One goal in his life that he did not achieve was that he and my grandfather would be retired at the same time. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away in July of 1970 after five years of retirement. I have worked for Ford for 21 years holding various positions within the company. My career at Ford began on January 8, 1990. I currently work in MSO as a fleet scheduler. I have also worked in Codification/Broadcast, FPDS, Finance, Timing Release and Material Control and the Villager Business Office. My Son Joshua Tajak works at the Saline Assembly plant. My son started working for Ford in November of 1998 at the Rawsonville Assembly plant and currently works at the Saline plant. Joshua has held several different positions at Rawsonville and Saline. During this time we were also a family with five living generations. In 1997 a great great granddaughter was born to our family making us a five generation family.
Posted Tuesday, April 11, 2011
By: Patty Thompson
My father worked for Ford for 25 years and now I've been at Ford for 10 years. Unfortunately, as proud as my Dad was about his accomplishments (including winning the Henry Ford Technological award in the '80's), he passed away at the young age of 67, so we never got a chance to compare notes on our careers (Research and Development versus Finance). I am sure that we could have had some heated debates on many topics given the role of our functions and the tension that sometimes mounts between the teams. I am proud to be a second generation Ford employee! Who knows what the future may hold for my children and their future families!
By: Doug Magewick
I'm a third generation employee of Ford Motor. My grandfather worked at the Rouge in the 20's winding generators. My mother and father met back in 1946 at the (now) EVB in Dearborn-she was a blueprint machine operator and he a blueprint checker. Two of my dad's brothers also worked at Ford, one as a clay modeler and the other in body engineering (my current manager actually used to work with the latter). My brother retired a few years back as a mechanic who worked out of the EVB-the very building in which my parents met. I currently work out of the DDC at the SIL that is two doors down from…EVB. Funny how things always seem to go full-circle.
By: Christopher Loeher
My parents both worked/retired from Utica Trim - my father was a benefits rep and my mother was the plant manager secretary for most of her career. I currently have 20+ years in and my brother around 15 (he's out due to a medical disability). I remember growing up hearing about Ford at the dinner table almost every day so it seems that I have a whole life in at Ford. Ford has put the clothes on my back and the food on my table for my entire 45 years in existence.
By: Norma Kolpacke
I am a second generation person to work at Ford. My Grandfather, Arnold Garchow, worked at the Rouge plant on the assembly line, before I was born and during my very young years. He had a stroke while at work one day and was not able to work again. He died many years before I started working at Ford. I have been at Ford for 23 years now. I worked at PDC, Livonia ATDL and now at Dyno as a Systems Engineer. My daughter and her husband, Stephanie and Scott Mlynarczk, both work at the PDC as Product Engineers. I have other family members who have worked for Ford. I had a Great Uncle who was the gardener for the Ford family in Dearborn. I have a cousin who worked at the transmission plant in Livonia, before retiring. Many of my ex-in-laws worked here before retiring, years ago.
By: Roy Klann
My grandfather (Roy A Klann) retired from Ford in the late 80's, I believe he was a buyer downtown. My father, Roy L. Klann retired just a handful of years ago, he worked as a Process Engineer and as a Six Sigma Black Belt in ATO. I, Roy T. Klann was hired into the ACD at the Utica Plant in MP&L in 98, and was the Production Control Manager at the Milan Plant before transferring to the Saline plant.
Posted Tuesday, April 5, 2011
By: Dave Potter
My father worked for Ford in Labor Relations and HR for his entire career, eventually retiring in 1998. As a very young boy, I remember the stories of his father, my grandfather, who worked as a tool and die maker for Ford. I am not sure if he worked directly for Ford or via a supplier as he passed away before I can remember him. I do remember looking at his tools – micrometers and other measuring instruments – which all seemed very high tech at the time! Growing up my entire family always drove Ford vehicles. I say ALWAYS because my father would actually make anyone park in the street who drove anything other than a Ford vehicle – "Not in my driveway!" We were lucky enough to have had driven many Ford products throughout the years… Pinto, Maverick, Fairlane, Mustang, Crown Vic, XR4TI, Scorpio, Contour, Sable,
Taurus, Escort, Lynx and few Explorers to name a few! Yes, there were even a few wood paneled station wagon trips which made our vacations to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., very fun. You'd have to ask him if they made all the "Are we there yet?" questions stress free! I was lucky enough to be able to drive many Ford products once I turned 16 as well…during my 'Dad can I have the keys?' phase... and eventually first vehicle was my mother's old 1986 Lynx, on which I learned how to drive a manual transmission. My father was extremely proud when I followed in his footsteps and began working for Ford as an intern in 1992, then as an agency employee, and eventually full-time Ford employee in 1994. We even drove in to work together until he retired. He has provided great advice for me at every step of my career to this day. At every holiday get together I am now the one my family asks vehicle questions of …"When is the new Taurus or Explorer launching? When is the new Mustang coming out" … I have to laugh as I was asking the same questions many years ago. My father is now the typical snow bird, living six months in Michigan and six months in Florida. Just yesterday, he called me wanting to know if I wanted him to pick me up a Ford license plate holder from a local Florida dealer that says 'BUILT WITHOUT YOUR TAX DOLLARS.' Apparently the dealership has sold out of these and there is a waiting list… of course, I ordered one for my F-150!
By: Nicholas Benintende
Ford has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My name is Nick Benintende and I am a recent hire to the Central Market Area as a Budget Analyst. I am a third generation Ford employee. My grandfather, Edward Benintende, on my father's side worked for Ford beginning in 1955 in the Mahwah New Jersey Assembly Plant. Not only did my grandfather work for Ford but my father, Jim Benintende, as well as my uncle, Bob Benintende, work for the company. I am proud to be a 3rd generation employee at the very beginning of my career.
By: Mark Cobb
I am a third generation Ford employee. My grandfather started our Ford heritage. He started work during WWII serving as a purchaser at World Headquarters. My father went to trade school and later joined the Ford family working down the road from his father as a skills trade carpenter in many of the plants until retiring from the Ypsilanti plant in the late 1990s. After I graduated from college, I sought to extend the tradition by seeking employment in the growing field of CAD for fuel product systems. Although there was a period where the product groups were separated to Visteon, my position remained consistent in supplying Ford fuel system component designs. In 2006, the fuel systems group was brought back under Ford and my hopes for a continued legacy were brought back to life! As my family grows and my sons approach college age, it's great to see Ford healthy and thriving. It gives a positive outlook for the future and perhaps incentive for the fourth generation to join the Ford family!
By: Leah Engstrand
I started here in July 1991 and I am currently a supervisor in the Paint Department and have been at TCAP for 20 years full time in July. My mother was a full-time employee in the Trim Department. She started here in either 1988 or 1989… and retired in 2008. My brother started here in 2007 and currently works in the Paint department. I was married in May 1993 and my husband worked here in the Chassis Department for approximately 17 years before taking a closeout package. My husband's uncle works in the Lift Truck Repair shop. My husband had cousins that worked here also before taking a closeout package. And my second cousin currently works in the Body Shop.
Posted Monday, March 28, 2011
By: Howard Schuman
There have been 3 generations of the
Schuman family working at Ford. My grandfather worked as an accountant in the Lincoln-Mercury building across from the Rotunda. My father was a designer in the EEE (POEE) building in the 50's. He earned his engineering degree and then worked as a design engineer on the original T-bird as well as the Falcon and Comet in the early 60's. He eventually worked as an overseas Liaison Engineer (with South America) and retired in 1984 with 30 years of service. I started working for Ford in 1970 as an intern at the Rouge Plant. After graduating from college I worked as a design engineer on the Fairmont program. Sorry to say, it doesn't look like any of my children will make it four generations of workers at Ford Motor.
By: Mark Halseth
My father started work for Ford in the fall of 1959. He spent 33 years in various marketing positions. One of his jobs was in dealer incentives and he got to travel the world for several years planning and arranging award trips. While working in Media and Advertizing he was fortunate to meet many famous people including Mario Andretti, Gerald Ford, Bill Cosby and many others. In my 22nd year now, I started work for Ford in 1989 at the Rawsonville plant as a Supplier Quality Engineer. My career has included stops in Design, Manufacturing, Quality and Product Planning. My youngest brother joined Ford in 2005 as an attorney.
By: Kathleen Dunn
Here's my story of Ford Motor Company and our family: 1st generation: My father, Joseph started at the Ford Trade School back in the 1940's where he learned the trade of drafting. He went on to work at Body as a draftsman and later a Test Operations Engineer and had 43 years of service when he passed away unexpectedly at age 60 in 1986. He loved Ford Motor Company and was so proud to be a member of the Ford Family. My Mother, Virginia, also worked at Ford for 10 years from 1944 -1954 at the Triple E building and actually met my father by carpooling together to work! 2nd generation: I (Kathleen Dunn) have worked at Ford since 1976 in various HR positions and currently work in Joint Programs at the National Program Center in downtown Detroit. My husband, Ray, is a Ford retiree who worked for 33 years in the Material Control Department. My sister, Joann was a finance analyst at Ford for 24 years as well. Four of my five brother in laws are also Ford employees or retirees, so you know that talking about Ford is the center point of all our family gatherings! 3rd generation: Our oldest son, Keith, has worked at Ford since 1999 and currently works as a Critical Supply Team Lead in Supply Chain Management at West Park Center. We have all driven nothing but Ford Motor Company products and have probably sponsored the sale of over 100 cars between us all. We have been truly blessed to be part of such a great company that has played such a central role in our family history and livelihood. Now, with teenage grandchildren in the picture, we're hopeful there will be a 4th generation of our family at Ford!
By: Sandra Nunn
I work as a Business Analyst for Ford IT, Dearborn, Mich., and have been at Ford for the past 21 years (in various agency positions) My husband Robert L. Nunn, Jr. retired after 33 years, as part of the Way Forward program. His father and uncle (Robert L. Nunn, and Donald L. Nunn) both started working at Ford in the 1950's, traveling up north from central Kentucky to find a better life than farming or coal mining. Robert Sr. retired in the 1980's after 33 years, and Donald retired in the 1990's after nearly 40 years. Robert senior, Robert junior, and Donald all started as production workers and worked their way up to management with hard work and dedication to the company and their jobs. Robert Sr. was a Plant Engineering manager (Dearborn Stamping) when he retired. Robert Jr. was Material Handling manager (Climate Control) when he retired. Donald was Maintenance Superintendent (Chicago Heights Assembly) when he retired. Our years combined equal more than 125 years. We have weathered good times and bad, from hourly union jobs and strikes, to salary management.
By: Greg Poynter
I am a third generation Ford employee. My grandfather, Elmer Poynter, retired from Sharonville after 30 years in skilled trades (hourly). He may have worked at Fairfax before it closed but I am not certain. My father, Robin Poynter, started in 1980 at Batavia and is still working at Sharonville (31 years) as a waste treatment operator (hourly). My sister worked at the Batavia plant in CD4E Assembly (hourly) and took her buyout in 2007?(not sure of year). I interned at the Batavia plant in 1996. I joined the Ford/ZF joint venture at Batavia in 2000 and then I transitioned out of the joint venture to a Ford employee in 2005 (salary). I transferred to Sharonville in 2006. Hope that’s what you wanted. The Poynter's have been part of the Blue Oval family since 1957, all of it in the Cincinnati area! PS: To top it off, I am married to the daughter of Ford salaried retiree, Richard Carr (Sheffield, AL and Batavia, OH plants).
Posted Monday, March 21, 2011
By: Greg Martin
I am actually a 4th generation Ford employee. My great-grandfather came to the United States (from Canada) to work at the Rouge plant as a tool and die maker. My grandfather worked in the purchasing department at Ford, my father worked as an engineer at Ford, and now I am working as an engineer at Ford as well. In addition to this family chain, my mother's father and uncle also worked at ford as well. In my family, the Ford Motor company has literally been putting food on our tables for 84 years now!
By: Warren Johnson
I am a 3rd generation Ford employee and proud of it! My Grandfather, Capt. O.A. Johnson was the first Captain of the M.S. Henry Ford II when it was launched in 1924. Later, he was named as Marine Superintendent in charge of all marine transportation for the
Company. Henry Ford would have "Cap" ride along when the Ford's went on their yearly UP vacations on the HF II, just to make sure things ran smoothly on the ship. My Father was a Test Driver at Dearborn Proving Grounds from 1952 to 1986, he drove many vehicles, including the early 2 seater Mustang mid engine prototype and the turbine over the road trucks in the 1960's. He remembers driving a prototype wrist control 1966 Mercury convertible (no steering wheel) and being pulled over by the Rochester Police on his way to Michigan Proving Grounds. The cops just wanted to check out the car. I have been with Ford Customer Service Division for 26 years in a number of roles and currently work in Service Engineering Operations.
By: Trevor Hill
I have now been employed at Ford for the past 3.5 years. My Grandfather worked and retired from Woodhaven Stamping back in the early 80's. Unfortunately he has since passed after his short retirement from Ford but it is still an honor to work at the same corporation that my Grandfather, Robert Dobie, started off his family at 'way back when.' Not the most impressive story; but it is mine and I am proud of it. A little side note: When Gerald Ford lost the election, although I was only 5 years old, I remember crying under the assumption that since Ford lost the election my Grandfather would lose his job. The young eh!
By: Andrea Wagner
We've had three generations working for Ford. First my grandmother, Rose Gallo Mileto, who started working in the cafeteria, moved over to housekeeping, then to the line at the Engine Plant and finally retiring from the Stamping Plant. My dad, Gene Mileto, worked at the Frame Plant for over 30 years. He retired several years ago. I was very fortunate to be hired in at Ford a few years ago. I work with a great group of people here at the OGC. I love my job and I love coming to work. I'm very proud to tell people that I work for Ford!
By: Susan Pepper
My father worked 38 years at the Sterling Axle Plant as a skilled trades pipefitter and I will celebrate my 19th anniversary with Ford Motor Company this August. I joined the company through the FCG program and have enjoyed many different assignments over the years, most of them in Marketing. My father-in-law spent over 20 years with Ford Motor Company before he retired, and I have two brothers-in-law who also used to work at Ford. We are truly a Ford family!
By: Angelique Peterson
I am proud to say that I am a 3rd generation Ford employee. My grandfather, Joseph Davis Jr., worked for Ford for 35 years before retiring in 1991, and although he has since passed away, he didn't do so without instilling the "Ford Family" concept into the hearts and minds of my family. My mother, Sylvia Griffin, retired in 2007 after completing 30 successful years of committed service, and now, along with my uncle, I am continuing the tradition of dedicated company longevity. He currently has 18 years and I am approaching 16 years this year. The ironic thing is that we were all employed at the same location, The Research & Engineering Center in Dearborn, MI. It's a great feeling to work for such a family oriented company because that same value keeps my family going just as it has kept Ford Motor Company going as well!
By: Suzie Weaver
In 1957 my Dad started at the Lima Engine Plant. He'd never had a good paying job until that point. I was only 2, but I remember life changing. My oldest brother David worked at the same plant after graduation, and became a high power boiler operator in the Powerhouse there. My younger brother Dan has been at Lima Engine Plant in several positions I believe since 1990. Now, at the age of 56, I started on the assembly line as a temp. My ex husband had also retired from Ford. So yes, we are definitely a Ford family. I had never driven a car that wasn't a Ford till in my 20's. Dad would never allow that, and as I've gotten older I couldn't agree more. Ford has done much for our family and our way of life. I am very thankful for my opportunity to work there as a temp, and I'm hoping to get hired permanently. I can honestly say, there is not a finer product made then the many Ford's our family has driven! Wishing you all the best!