Obituary of Richard Ward

Richard Ward, 79, of Jackson passed away on Monday, February 19, 2018 at Bartley Healthcare and Nursing Rehabilitation.  He was born in Newark, raised in Bloomfield and had lived in Edison and Middletown before settling in Jackson in 2006.  Over the years, Richard made several trips to Ireland.  A past Grand Knight and 4^th Degree Knight in the Long Branch Council 335, he was an active member who enjoyed planning the parties at the Council.  Richard was a man who enjoyed his work with the State of New Jersey Department of Transporation before becoming a partner in Stuart Appraisal Company, Freehold.  In his spare time, he would read mysteries and history books.  His grandchildren were his pride and joy, particularly sharing a unique bond with his grandson, and he loved his family get-togethers.  A parishioner of the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert’s, Richard could be found at daily mass and participated in bible study. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Beatrice Ward; sister, Patricia Kulaga; and brother, Dr. Joseph Ward.  Richard is survived by his wife, Joan Ward of Jackson; children, Patricia Ward of Middletown, Richard J. Ward and his wife, Eileen of Monroe; and Nancy Ward of Middletown; three grandchildren, Ryan, Emily and Jennifer; brothers, Robert E. Ward and his wife, Margaret of Long Branch and Thomas Ward of Delaware; sister-in-law, Charlotte Ward of Delaware; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, February 23, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.   Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 9:00 AM for the procession to his 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township.  Inurnment will take place in St. Gabriel’s Cemetery & Chapel Mausoleum on a date to be determined.  For those who desire, memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Way, Memphis, TN 38105.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com