John Paul Ward

John Paul Ward, 44, of Worcester, MA, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, October 1st. With the area in urgent need of warmth and light after the Blizzard of ’78, John was born at Worcester Memorial Hospital on February 10, 1978.

John graduated from Doherty Memorial High School in 1997. He was a gifted athlete and enjoyed playing multiple sports throughout his youth. He especially loved baseball, becoming a stand-out pitcher in Jesse Burkett Little League, West Side Babe Ruth, and at Doherty. After high school, John honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps. His service included a tour of duty in Iraq in 2003-2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A devoted father, John was happiest when spending time with his son, Thomas, and daughter, Harper. Whether encouraging them on the playing field, throwing them into the waves at the Cape, or just driving them in the car, John’s broadest smiles came when he was with his Tommy and Harper. In addition to his children, John leaves behind their mother, Elizabeth White; his mother and stepfather, Ann and Peter Bennett; his father Joseph P. Ward; four brothers, Arthur, Christopher, Joseph, and Michael; sisters-in-law Kristen, Rose and Lovella; three step brothers, Eric, Alex, and Chapin Bennett; a niece, Anna Kate, and nephews Kevin, Colin, Matthew, Joseph and John; many cousins; and numerous friends, all of whom will miss his gregarious nature, generous spirit, and loving heart.

Visitation will take place Friday, October 7th, from 5 to 7 pm at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 8th at 10 am at Immaculate Conception Parish, 353 Grove Street, Worcester, with burial to follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John P. Ward Family Trust, c/o Joseph Ward, 500 Virginia Street E, Suite 1100, Charleston, WV, 25301, which has been established for the benefit of John’s children and their education.