Obituary of John E. Ward

 

John (Jack) E. Ward, 99, a longtime resident of Gloversville and recently of Edinburg, N.Y., died peacefully at the home of his son, John, on January 3, 2021. He was lovingly cared for and surrounded by members of the Ward family.

 

Jack was born in Gloversville on September 6, 1921, the son of Florence and Alfred Ward. After graduating from Gloversville High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served honorably during World War II from 1942 to 1945.

 

Following his military service, Jack worked in the Gloversville area at MCA Records, Mohawk Carpet Mills and General Electric Company in Schenectady.

 

In 1955, he was appointed as a Gloversville City Fire Fighter in the Second Battalion where he served for 28 years. Jack was the first of three dedicated generations of Gloversville Fire Fighters, followed by his son, John G. Ward, and grandson, Michael Ward, who continues in the department to this day.

 

Jack married his Gloversville High School sweetheart, Jean M. Holly, on February 3, 1945. Jean was a Registered Nurse at Nathan Littauer Hospital for 18 years and later served as a social worker for Fulton County. The couple enjoyed 57 wonderful years together until Jean’s passing in 1997. Devoted to their family, they served as loving role models for their children and family.

 

Jack is survived by his son, John G. Ward, his daughter, Janis W. Fovel, and her husband, Tyler Fovel, of Medway, MA. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter-in-law, Brenda Brownell Ward from Edinburg.

 

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Florence and Alfred Ward; his brother, Roy Ward (Marguerite); and his sisters: Dorothy Johannes (Harold), Marion Smolik (John), and Frances Bell (Leo). Recently, he was predeceased by his dear niece, Pat Sadlier.

 

 Jack was a loving “Papa” to Michael (Sarah), April, Shawn (Autumn), Meghan (Alex) and Scott (Laura Beth). He was “Pops” to his nine great-grandchildren: Ashley, Owen, Eastyn, Harlow, Iris, Braeden, Noah, Tori and Damen.  Jack had many nieces and nephews who called and visited “Uncle Jack” often. He loved them all.

 

Jack never missed a Yankees game and enjoyed following basketball, football and golf.  First and foremost, he was an avid sportsman and was passionate about the “Great Outdoors”, especially hunting and fishing in the Adirondacks and the surrounding North Country. He attended meetings of the NYS Fish and Wildlife Management Association representing Fulton County. Jack was a long time chartered member of Camp Chuck-A-Muck of Owl Pond where he enjoyed many days with his friends and family. Notable among them was his best friend since childhood, Tom Dunn.

 

Jack was a member of the Fremont Street United Methodist Church in Gloversville.

 

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held later in the year when the Covid-19 Pandemic is no longer a threat.

 

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the charity of your choice.

 

Jack often said, “Keep the faith” and “Thanks for the Memories”.

For his family and all who knew him, Jack will always be part of their most cherished memories.

 

Interment will take place in the spring at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville.

 

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com

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