By Staff

May 25, 2022: Vicki and Si Ford were selected as the Grand Marshals for Bronxville's 2022 Memorial Day parade. "Vicki and Si have each given a half a century of volunteer service to almost every institution not only in Bronxville but the greater Eastchester community," said Mayor Mary Marvin, "There are truly no better examples of the true spirit of volunteerism and love of community. It was a very easy choice!! "

Vicki has fond memories of the parade over the years with the children riding their bikes and parents walking behind. "It makes you proud to be an American," says Vicki. She said the role of Grand Marshal is "quite an honor."

Vicki and Si were residents of Bronxville for a total of 50 years. They initially settled in Bronxville and then moved overseas to London and Spain, where Si worked as a top executive at Colgate-Palmolive. Si joined the company after graduating from Dartmouth College and the Tuck School of Business. After eight years overseas, the Fords moved back to Bronxville, where they raised their children and spent the next 40 years. Vicki and Si have six children and 21 grandchildren.

During their time in Bronxville, both Vicki and Si were extraordinary leaders and made significant contributions to the Bronxville community and local organizations. For example, Vicki was involved with the Bronxville Junior League, served on the Bronxville School Board for six years, and was elected as an Eastchester Town Councilwoman for 17 years, winning four major elections. She also started a program called "Homework Helps," in which Concordia College students became tutors to middle school children at the Bronxville school. Finally, Vicki was a Trustee of Sarah Lawrence College, from which she graduated. In 2018, the couple donated $1.5 million to expand and enhance environmental studies at Sarah Lawrence.

Si served on the Lawrence Hospital Board for six years and as Fire Commissioner for five years. "I wanted to represent Bronxville," said Si, and "I met a lot of interesting people and got to know the town of Eastchester." They were both, of course, also involved in all their children's activities in Bronxville, which included track, football, the theater, and more!

In 2020, Vicki and Si moved to Manitou Island on White Bear Lake in Minnesota, where both Vicki and Si have family roots. Over the years, they have been very involved in that community when they were there in the summers and now they get to be even more involved. For example, years ago they started a nature-based pre-school there called the Dodge Nature Center Pre-School. Education and the environment have been ongoing areas of interest for Vicki and Si.

It's easy to see that Vicki and Si are special people who make a difference wherever they go. They are the perfect choice for Grand Marshals of the Bronxville Memorial Day Parade, and all of us in Bronxville are truly honored to have them back for this special weekend.