Frederick Charles Ford

June 5, 1946 - January 14, 2022

On January 14th 2022, Frederick Charles Ford lost a heroic fight against cancer and passed away at his home in Fort Myers, Florida. He was a transportation industry leader who worked in the aviation and airline industry for over 50 years. After serving time in the United States Marine Corps, he served as an executive for major airports, port authorities, and aviation firms since the age of 19. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Ford managed the Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlantic City airports, was a Vice President at Pan American World Airways and served as Director of Development for Ogden Allied Aviation in New York. Many knew Fred as a formidable, brilliant aviation executive and entrepreneur, but he also possessed a charismatic charm and humorous side that he would display to those closest to him. His greatest joy in life was the time spent behind the helm of his boat out on the open ocean. He obtained the USCG Boat Captain’s license and, over his lifetime, owned four power cruisers, Incognito I, II, III and IV. He logged thousands of hours cruising off the coasts of Cape Cod, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Door County, Wisconsin and most recently South Florida, including Fort Myers, Sanibel and Capitva. In 2008, Fred moved to the Fort Myers area to embark on a new airport endeavor, forming Florida Cargo Fresh, Inc. (FCFI). His goal was to reduce costs via efficient transshipment and processing of perishable air cargo from airplanes to trucks, build a new airport that would relieve pressure on Miami International’s perishable cargo operations, and allow Miami’s passenger traffic - vital to South Florida - to grow. Several years later, Fred assembled agriculture industry leaders from United States Sugar Corporation (USSC) and Hilliard Brothers of Florida (HBF) to form SugarHill. In February 2012, SugarHill, in partnership with Florida Cargo Fresh, Inc. (FCFI), created the now known entity: Airglades International Airport, LLC (AIA). Fred served on the Board of Directors at AIA and also held positions as CEO & President during his tenure with AIA. He was involved in the development of the Airglades Airport from the very beginning and his strong relationships with all stakeholders in the industry, government and state have been key to the success of its development. Fred will be greatly missed by his family and friends and is survived by his three daughters: Jennifer Seward, Melissa Walker, and Leslie Ford. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held in Fort Myers, FL on Monday, March 14th, 2022 at 3:00 pm at The Heitman House, 2577 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901.