John J. Ward, age 96, beloved husband of the late Mildred M. (Meehan) Ward died Saturday July 13 at Benchmark Senior Living in Waltham. John and Millie were married for nearly 70 years prior to Mildred’s passing in 2019.
He is survived by his son, Michael J. Ward and his wife Karla; brother Thomas Ward and his wife Louise; granddaughters Katie Ward Clegg and her husband Barry; Diana Dresser and her husband John; Lacie Ward; great-grandchildren, Julianna and Jack Dresser; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Laurie Ward.
A lifelong Massachusetts resident, John was born in Malden, February 2, 1928 a son of the late Patrick and Anna (O’Donnell) Ward. He was raised in Malden and Melrose, graduating from Melrose High in 1946. In 1957 John and Millie moved to Burlington, where they raised their family and resided until 2014. John loved to sing and was an active member of the St. Malachy’s choir for many years. His many sing alongs at home with friends and family will be fondly remembered. John was also an avid sports fan, passionate about all of the Boston sports teams, but especially the Red Sox. He often told stories about visiting Fenway Park as a boy.
John served in the US Army as a Private First Class Military Policeman with the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project from 1946-1948, stationed in Los Alamos, New Mexico. After the military, John had a long career with the Pipefitters Union Local #537
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 20, at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Rd. Billerica at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, E. Chelmsford following Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice at www.caredimensions.com
Previous Events
Visitation
20
Jul
66 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Funeral Mass
20
Jul
466 Boston Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
Burial
20
Jul
96 Riverneck Rd.
Chelmsford, MA 01824
