News from broadwayworld.com:

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of Broadway music director, conductor, and arranger, Paul Ford. According to friends on social media, Ford was found unresponsive in his home in New York City this afternoon. 

Ford began his professional career in the late 1970s and quickly became a sought-after rehearsal pianist and music director on Broadway. His collaborations with legendary composer Stephen Sondheim were particularly noteworthy.

Ford contributed his musical expertise to original productions such as “Sunday in the Park with George” (1984), “Into the Woods” (1987), “Assassins” (2004), and “Pacific Overtures” (2004). Sondheim once praised Ford as the “tireless, indefatigable rehearsal pianist who knows every song from every show ever written.”

I have two blog posts where I’ve mentioned Paul Ford. Close Encounters with Sondheim and Lord Knows, At Least I Was There.