Edward J. Ward

BENNINGTON -- Edward J. Ward, 89, a resident of the Village at Fillmore Pond in Bennington, died on Monday, April 18, 2004 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Jan 14, 1915, and was the son of Edward J. and Mildred (Luff Molitor) Ward. He received his education in Brooklyn, and attended Financial Banking School. He started working on Wall Street as a “runner” at the age of 12. This was the beginning of a long and successful financial career. He worked for several financial institutions on Wall Street and ended his financial career by running his own accounting firm. He served in the Army during World War II, and was discharged as a staff seargent. On June 14, 1939 he married the former Martha Gladys Myers in Queens, N.Y. Mrs. Ward predeceased him.

Mr. Ward was a member of the Community United Methodist Church of Jackson Heights, N.Y. for many years. He had sat on the board of directors and had been the church’s treasurer. Mr. Ward had also been a member of the Lexington Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons in Queens, N.Y. He had received his 50 years pin and certificate. He loved the New York Mets, reading, coin collecting, and was a charter member of the Franklin Mint. He also enjoyed traveling, and has taken cruises to the Panama Canal and Alaska. He was also and avid golfer, and bowler. While living in Woodlock Springs, Pa., he became very involved with the Woodlock Pines Community activities; playing poker, bridge, golfing and bowling in the local league there. Mr. Ward is survived by two brothers, Charles Luff of Albuquerque, N.M., and Robert Luff of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and three sisters, Eleanor Spada of Center Port, N.Y., Winifred Baldassare of Rochester, N.Y. and Audrey Rowe of Shaftsbury. He has several nieces and nephews, including Debbie Huether of Benningon and Cheryl Rowe of Manchester, and a great-nephew, Max Rowe-Beebe of Manchester.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 23, 11 a.m. at the Communtiy United Methodist of New York at 81st and 35th streets, Jackson Heights, with the Rev. Doctor Ronald D. Tompkins, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens, Queens, N.Y. at 1:30 p.m. There are no calling hours scheduled.

Memorials in his honor may be made to the Community United Methodist Church of New York, through the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.