Search by Name

Search by Name

Robert M. Ward

1952 - 2021

Robert M. Ward obituary, 1952-2021, Northford, CT

FUNERAL HOME

North Haven Funeral Home, Inc.

36 Washington Ave.

North Haven, Connecticut

Robert Ward Obituary

WARD, ROBERT M.
Robert M. Ward, 68, of Northford, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2021, at his home in Northford surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Anita (Siena) Ward for nearly 47 years.
Born November 8, 1952, the son of the late Richard and Joan (Minnick) Ward, Bob was raised in Derby, CT and was a 1970 graduate of Notre Dame High School (West Haven). He then attended the University of Kentucky for one year, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree cum laude from his beloved University of Connecticut in 1974. He received a Juris Doctor Degree with honors from the University of Cincinnati in 1978, the same year he was admitted to the Connecticut Bar.
Over three decades of public service, Bob made significant contributions to the State of Connecticut. First elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1984 to represent the 86th Assembly District, Bob represented North Branford and parts of East Haven, Guilford, and Wallingford over the course of eleven terms of service.
Widely regarded as a brilliant legislator, he made many friends across both sides of the political aisle. At the same time, Bob was a dedicated husband and father. He coached many of his children's youth sports teams and never missed an important game or event for his four children.
Bob was elected by his Republican colleagues to serve six terms as House Minority Leader, from 1995 to 2007, making him the longest serving caucus leader in modern Connecticut history.
As House Minority Leader, Bob excelled at working across the political aisle with Democratic leaders, two Republican governors, and a GOP caucus that reached all four corners of the state to forge budgets and policies that often carried the day at the Capitol - no small feat for a minority caucus leader. His legislative skills and political acumen were tested during two seminal events in modern Connecticut history.
In 1995, Bob played a leading role in conceiving and enacting "UConn 2000" a ten year, $1 billion investment in the University of Connecticut which transformed UConn into one of the nation's preeminent public universities.
In 2004, Bob bore the burden of leading the House Republican caucus through the investigation and eventual resignation of fellow Republican, Governor John Rowland. His honesty and commitment to a non-political impeachment process enabled the orderly transition from Governor Rowland to Governor Rell.
Bob's skill as a legislator was widely recognized, with Connecticut Magazine's poll of Legislators twice recognizing Rep. Bob Ward as "Most Effective Legislator" (1994 and 1996) and once as "Most Admired Legislator" (1996).
In 2004, the National Conference of State Legislators awarded him its "Excellence in State Legislative Leadership" award- making him the only minority party caucus leader in the country to ever receive this honor. Finally, in 2006 Bob was given the Connecticut Republican Party's highest honor—the Prescott Bush Award.
Upon his retirement from the General Assembly, Bob was appointed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell as Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, serving for four years and implementing the state's graduated license program for young drivers. In 2011, he was chosen by the General Assembly to serve as Auditor of Public Accounts, retiring in 2016. One of his most cherished public service roles was as a member of the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, a position he held from 2007 to 2010.
Bob was a former member and treasurer of the Northford Volunteer Fire Department-Company No. 2; a former member and past president of the North Branford Jaycees; a former member of the Totoket Historical Society and a former member of the North Branford Education Goals Committee and the North Branford Sesquicentennial Committee. He also enjoyed his distinction as a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
Bob and Anita made a great team in raising their four children and taking part in their eight grandchildren's lives. Bob enjoyed travel, especially with Anita, after his retirement. He could be seen and often heard rooting for UConn basketball teams with both his children and grandchildren whether in the original Field House, Gampel Pavilion, the Civic Center, or at home on TV. Additionally, Bob cherished holidays and Sunday dinners with his large and loving family. Surviving Bob are: son Michael (Maeve) Ward, grandchildren Benjamin, Riley, Cordelia; 3 daughters, Rebecca (Daniel) Podzikowski, grandchildren, Siena and Sophia; Nicole (Marc) Paradis, grandchildren Carmen and Nina; and Sarah (Michael) Alvarez, grandchild Marcella.
Bob is additionally survived by two brothers, David Ward; Jamie (Diane) Ward; one sister Ellen (Lester) Thees, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The visiting hours will be Thursday, May 13th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. Family and friends are invit-ed to go directly to St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven on Friday, May 14th at 12 Noon to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in the All Saints Mausoleum, North Haven. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Bob Ward Scholarship/North Branford Scholarship Association, PO Box 241, North Branford, CT 06471. www.northhavenfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register on May 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ward

Sponsored by NHRegister.com.

Not sure what to say?





John E. DeGennaro

May 9, 2024

Robert was so young when he went door to door and came to my house at 53 Harrison Rd in North Branford one afternoon seeking signatures on a Petition to run for Congress and won that position easily. He was a great asset to Our Community in every aspect of his work both in Politics and at the DMV. May Our Lord Jesus Christ rest his soul.

John E. DeGennaro

May 6, 2023

My Former Wife went to HS with Robert and when I lived in North Branford for 30 years starting in 1979, Robert was going door to door looking for votes. we voted him in and started him on his dream career of being a Politician. When he took over as Commissioner of Motor Vehicles he shook up the DMV for the better. Robert was a great Man. May Our Lord Jesus Christ rest his soul.

Susan & Joe Santangelo

January 4, 2023

With each passing year, we still remember Bob Ward as a great leader, great legislator and great man.

Susan and David Unsworth

May 17, 2021

A truly wonderful person.

John E. Bud DeGennaro

May 16, 2021

Bob Ward did so much for North Branford and CT since the time he knocked on my door on Harrison Rd looking for signatures to get on the ballot. I admired his tenacity and his perseverance. He took ill while as the DMV Commissioner and had to leave but not before he had accomplished so much for the State of CT. May our Lord rest his soul.

Frank B. Connolly

May 13, 2021

A great guy- Both of us Notre Dame High graduates and a love of local government. My condolences to his family.

Frank Connolly, Former North Branford Town Manager

Jan Alea Lougal

May 13, 2021

I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Bob through his dedication and services to the town of East Haven, I will always treasure his delightful wit and sense of humor as well as his brilliance. My Deepest Sympathy and Prayers are with Bob's Family.

Warren Dunphy

May 12, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Sherry Crose

May 12, 2021

On behalf of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, the Order offers its deepest condolences and is proud of a life well lived by Colonel Ward.

Sherry Crose, Executive Director
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels

Michael & Laurel Caprio

May 11, 2021

Dear Anita and the Ward family, we are very sorry to learn of Bob's passing. Please accept or sincere condolences, and may he rest in peace.

Sal & JoAnn Corso

May 11, 2021

Anita and Family:
So sorry to hear that Bob has passed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this sad time
Sincerely,
Sal & JoAnn Corso

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Ward's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Ward

May

13

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

North Haven Funeral Home, Inc.

36 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473-2309

May

14

Mass of Christian Burial

12:00 p.m.

St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church

44 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT

May

14

Committal

All Saints Mausoleum

North Haven, CT

Funeral services provided by:

North Haven Funeral Home, Inc.

36 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473-2309

How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Ward's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more