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26 A fixture behind the scenes helping those with developmental disabilities for more than half a century, 85-year-old Ford is stepping down as chairman of the board at Road to Responsibility (RTR) this fall after more than 35 years, feeling that it is simply time to move on. "I'm very disappointed in myself that I've aged," Ford said in an interview at an RTR office in Norwell last month. "But it's been a wonderful run." RTR is one of the most successful organizations in the state that works with developmentally disabled adults who have aged out of the school system, generally beginning with their 22nd birthday. That could mean anyone with moderate to severe disabilities, such as those on the autism spectrum or those with behavioral issues, but all that fall under the umbrella of developmentally disabled. The sharply-dressed Ford, a longtime Hingham resident, could recall countless moments where he felt that RTR had helped to make a difference in the lives of others. "When you look at folks in the world, there are many people that make choices that result in bad decisions," Ford said. "We deal with folks, who through no fault of their own, are on the downside of life and they need help. And we give it to them." Ford graduated from Archbishop Williams High School and later Holy Cross before being commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, serving three years of active duty followed by 16 more in the reserves. He attended law school at Boston College, setting the stage for his main career as an attorney for six decades. George Ford's lone regret is one he has no control over. Written by Jake Levin