Francis Paul Fordi

Francis Paul Fordi was born on February 26, 1939 in Jersey City, New Jersey to George and Margaret (née Camperchiole). Paul and his younger sister Margaret (Primus) grew up in a lively house at the end of a cobbled street in Jersey City. His Aunt Jeannette and Uncle Nick Aumenta and beloved Cousin Margaret (Mottola) lived on the first floor. Paul attended St. Peter’s Preparatory and graduated from Lincoln High School. He attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, and served in the National Guard. After a summertime romance in Asbury Park, he married (Claire) Susan Dwyer of Caldwell, New Jersey on December 27, 1960. The two had been introduced by her brother, Bill, who was Paul’s good friend and a fellow musician. After a career in finance with Flintcote and Genstar that moved the family from Caldwell to Westminster, Maryland, Paul made a mid-life shift and started work at The Arc of Carroll County. In his career’s second act, he worked as a job coach and workshop manager. For over twenty years, he helped adults with developmental disabilities integrate into their community through meaningful work, driving them to work and helping them perform their jobs at The Arc’s workshop. Paul found the work gratifying and he loved when they would spot him out in Westminster and greet him with hugs. Susan and Paul lived in Westminster for 35 years. Paul was a singer all his life - a tenor. As a young man he worked with an agent and sang on college campuses, and in jazz clubs in New York City, New Jersey and beyond. He was even tapped to appear on The Original Amateur Hour. He sang in the chorus at St. Peters College and later with The Masterwork Chorus - performing at Carnegie Hall. A self-taught piano and guitar player, the house was always filled with music in his inimitable spare jazz-inflected style. Vacations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland or in Nova Scotia were a time for singing - with three generations joining in and making requests. Paul sang at many family weddings and played piano for the residents at Heron Point in Chestertown, Maryland where Susan and Paul moved in January of 2022. Susan and Paul have four children: Elizabeth Rechnitz, married to Adam; Robert Fordi, married to Hillary Caldwell; Jack Fordi, married to Heidi; and Marisa Bertodatti, married to Richard. “Pop-Pop” was adored by his grandchildren: Susanna, James, Adeline, Esme, Ellie, Max, Charlie, Mia and Henry. His kindness, charm, fashion sense, wit and talent live on in each of them. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Arc of Carroll County. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 14th at 3:00 PM in Wesley Hall at Heron Point in Chestertown, Maryland.

Francis Paul Fordi

February 26, 1939 - August 1, 2024