Obituary of Robert Ward

Robert "Bob" Alfred Ward died December 16, 2015 in Cape Coral, FL. He was born in New Britain, CT on March 10, 1921 to the late Thomas Ward & Josephine (May) Ward. He grew up in East Berlin, CT with his 5 siblings and attended Richard D. Hubbard School. During World War II, Bob served his country in the United States Army Air Force, training fighter pilots for WW II combat. On July 24, 1943 in South Carolina, he married Mabel Evelyn Dewey of South Windsor, CT. After the war, he became an auto mechanic and owned WarMac Garage in East Berlin, CT with his brother-in-law William McMurray. In 1963, he became a salesman for Mill Supplies, Inc., selling safety supplies and equipment. He also worked for Connecticut Safety Supplies. In the late 1970's, he formed his own company called Central Products in East Hartford, CT. Bob was an avid golfer and bowler. Plus, in his early years, he enjoyed water skiing. He enjoyed family vacations at Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton, CT; Hawk's Nest Beach in Old Lyme, CT; Lake Wassookeag in Dexter, ME; and Willard Pond in Antrim, NH. In 1976, Bob married Wanda (Gawron) Ward, who predeceased him in 1997. In 1983, he retired to Cape Coral to enjoy the year-round sunshine and golfing. In 2004, he married Barbara (Henry) (Urkiel) Ward. Bob & Barbara enjoyed traveling and golfing together in their later years. In addition to his wife, Barbara, Bob is survived by his two sons and their wives ~ Bob, Jr. & Mitzie Ward of Vernon, CT and Terry Ward & Nancy Dickgiesser of Woodbridge, CT. Bob is also survived by 6 grandchildren ~ Connie (Ward) Rivera & Alex Rivera; Carrie (Ward) Fajvan & Alan Fajvan; Jason Ward; Rachel (Ward) Nutcher & Brian Nutcher; Scott Ward & Jen (Earle) Ward; and Eric Ward. Plus, Bob is survived by 9 great-grandchildren ~ Rebecca Rivera, Kendra Rivera, Tianna Rivera, Amelia Rivera, Ashley Fajvan, Elizabeth Fajvan, Jack Fajvan, Brayden Nutcher, and Connor Nutcher as well as by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by all five of his siblings and their spouses, Kenneth & Elizabeth Ward, Raymond & Agnes Ward, June & William McMurray, Thomas & Marjorie Ward, and Allan & Rosalind Ward. Funeral services will be held Monday (December 28, 2015) at 10:00 AM at the East Berlin Methodist Church, 139 Main Street, East Berlin, CT. Burial will follow in Wilcox Cemetery, East Berlin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to the East Berlin Methodist Church.