Obituaries

W. Anthony Ward, 65

W. Anthony (Tony) Ward, 65, of Barneveld, New York, currently residing in Lancaster, PA, passed away on Thursday April 2, 2009 from natural causes. Tony was surrounded by loved ones at Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, PA. Son of the late William and Marcella Ward, he was born on January 30, 1944, in Norwich, NY.

Receiving his bachelors degree at Utica College of Syracuse University, Tony went on to teach English at Holland Patent Central Schools where he enriched the lives of so many students. Tony spent numerous happy years coaching Tennis, Soccer, and his favorite sport Skiing. In his later years he became an award winning photographer and spent many hours catching the perfect shot.

Tony is survived by his lifelong friend & loving wife Patty Howard-Ward, his three children, Marcella Flaherty, Robert Ward, and Regan Ward, and his three step children Richard Howard M.D., Jay Howard, and Rebecca Casey and their spouses. He is also survived by his two brothers, Jack and Jim Ward of Houston, TX and their families. Tony and Patty have 10 beloved grandchildren: Jordan, Parker, Mikayla, Bryce, Amanda, Joshua, Hayden, Tara, Bailey, and Ella.

Tony was a loving father, grandfather and spouse whose spirit of will and strength, will be missed by all that loved him. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to American Lung Association. A memorial service celebration for Tony will be determined at later date. If you wish to contact the family, please email us at AtwanWard@aol.com. Arrangements by Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel Inc., Lititz, PA.  To send a condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com.

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I remember Mr Ward when I used to substitute teach at Holland Patent Middle School. He was a great guy. The profession of teaching suffers a great loss. My condolences to his family.
Andy Frank
utica NY

My years of ski racing at Holland Patent have provided me with many fond memories. And our Coach Tony Ward is central to many of those memories.  Tony was always a very steady and committed presence. He tolerated a lot of adolescent behavior, and rarely lost his cool. Marcy, Rob, Regan and Patty, I am very sorry for your loss, and will never forget your Dad/ Husband.
Sincerely, Shanley Hinge

Hi Patty, Marci, Rob and Regan,
We are so sorry to learn the sad news about Tony. We thought so much of him and so appreciated all of his dedication to us and our HPCS Ski team. Our thoughts and prayers are will all of you
Fond regards,
Anna, Ann and Michael Giacobbe

Sincere sympathy to the Family of Tony Ward.  From the Mahanna Family,  Barneveld, N.Y.

I am so sorry to here of your loss. I had Mr.Ward for a teacher in 1994 and 1995 and looked forward to his class. I learned a lot from him. He was always willing to help you, even if you asked him the same question 10 times. He wanted to make sure that you knew and understood everything. My thoughts are will you and your family, Mr. Ward will be missed.
Joanne Snyder (Baker) Rome, NY

Dear Patty and family,
We are truly saddened by Tony’s passing.  Please know that we care, and that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and Lori Eccleston
 

We are so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful teacher and a good friend. Not only did I have the honor of having him as a teacher but my daughter also did. Another very fortunate gift of being a teacher in a small town with many friends is the surprise our daughter got when she found out that Tony was also a good friend of her dads and from that point on she knew she could not get away with doing anything out of line in school. He will be missed terribly. Thank you Mr. Ward for being our teacher and friend                 
Dan, Sue and Sherri Cady  Fort Lauderdale Fl
 

Pat,  Please accept my regards and sympathy at this time of Tony’s death.  When we last saw him he was happy to be feeling better, off many meds, oxygen, and moving forward.  He must have had a few good years since then which is a blessing.
Marci, Rob and Regan,  I was looking at an old newspaper of Barneveld (1972) there was a picture of your father and mother at the Barneveld water tub. It is a great picture.  Our family shared many wonderful times with all of your family.  There were parties, school and skiing.  We are ever grateful for the time and energy your father gave to the ski teams and particularly for our children.  He encouraged everyone to participate, do their best, and walk the line.  As I think of it, I don’t think I ever heard him complain about any one kid. You know as well as I, there could have been a lot to rag about.  He did protect them and support them.  He was as pleased as each skier was when they did well or got to the next level. His time helped us and probably was difficult for all of you but your ski successes may have made up for some of the time away from home.  We had as much fun traveling to the ski sites as you people did tearing down or around the mountain.
I haven’t seen any of you in a while but hope all is going well with you and your families.  We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and look forward to the time you will be back in Barneveld.  Take care of yourselves and each other. 
Love, Suzanne Hinge and Bill

Tony was a wonderful and dedicated ski coach when I was growing up.  He traveled far and wide for our ski races and was a great source of knowledge and advice, not to mention the occasional wisecrack.  He will be missed.  Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. 
Bernadine Hinge Williams
 

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Ward was my tutor in the 1960’s while i was home bound. We had alot of fun and I learned a great deal. My thoughts are with your family. 
Sincerely, Marcia Jones Hanna
 

Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. "Mr." Ward was an awesome and interesting man who made an impact on many of his students. Not only was he my former teacher but a staple in the village as I grew up and then becoming a friend as he frequented our hair salon over the years. He will be missed by many. God Bless.
Leian Shaler DiNitto

Tony was an outstanding teacher who made us want to learn- even after graduation. I can thank him for his insistence that I re-read Huckleberry Finn when I was about 30. Not only did I have a new appreciation of Huckleberry, but it made me read (or re-read) a lot of Twain and now I am a big fan (which would probably make him smile.) A great man of Barneveld- he will be missed.
John Sherman

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