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1932
2021
Donald James Ward Jr, of Great Barrington MA, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2021, at the age of 89.
One of four children and father of seven, Don was born May 25, 1932, to Donald and Helen (Neuman) Ward and was raised in Bronx, NY, Stamford, CT, and Westchester, NY. Don spent many summers with his family in Hillsdale "Green River" NY before settling in Great Barrington.
Don met his wife of 63 years, Lorraine Wells at Fairview Hospital where Lorraine was a nurse and Don was working a second job as a night janitor /ambulance driver (there's a story there). They married on January 25th, 1958 at St Peter's Church and had seven children.
Don started Ward's Nursery and Garden Center with his business partner and friend Matt Tomich in 1957. He turned it over to his sons in the late '90s and now in its 64th year a third generation has taken the helm.
A veteran of the Korean War, Don had many vocations throughout his life; from nurseryman to florist to sales representative for several growers across the U.S. of ornamental plants. Don loved the horticultural industry. As a sales rep. he was well known to garden center owners and growers in the northeast. Always ready to lend a hand, listen and give advice. Don was a member of the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association; the American Nursery Association and he was past president of the New England Nursery Association. Along the way, Don has also been a member of several local organizations and committees. A brief list includes The Lions Club, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee, and an active member of St. Peter's Parish and their Finance Committee.
Don was devoted to his faith and family above all else. He loved to run and was an active member of a local running club. He enjoyed attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting and school events. He was always an entrepreneur starting many different businesses and projects. He continually stressed the importance of a good education. Don worked around the clock but somehow, he still found time to run marathons, or later in his life play golf with his Sunday morning friends. Don encouraged his kids and grandkids to work hard, play enthusiastically, and above all be generous and compassionate.
Don is survived by his wife Lorraine (Wells), sons Donald III (Claire), Gregory (Christine), Michael (Bridget), and Tim; daughters Maureen Barnaba (Anthony), Eileen Ward Fauci (Anthony), and Colleen Souza (Steven); grandchildren Lance Ward, Hannah Ward, Sam Fenell-Ward (Mary), Nicole Marques (Ryan), Eva Ward, Justin Ward, Ryan Ward, India Ward, Ciana Barnaba, Lydia Barnaba, Rosa Barnaba, Alyssa Souza, Maura Souza, Keira Souza, Olivia Ward, Isabella Fauci; great-grandchild Archie Marques. He is also survived by sisters Mary Alice Welch and Dolores Viebrock.
Don was predeceased by his parents and brother Joseph Ward.
SERVICES - The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 10th at 11:00am at St. Peter's Church, 213 Main St., Great Barrington, celebrated by Rev. William P. Murphy, the pastor.
There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St.Peter's Parish directly or through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
The family wishes to thank the many caregivers at Geer Assisted Living who tended to Don's needs with such kindness and grace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
It is with great sadness I heard that Don had pasted away. My parents, Joe and Jean Savoy, were great friends of Don and Dad worked at Wards for several years. Don was such a great guy! I am happy I had a chance a few years ago to reconnect with him at a function. My deepest condolences to Lorraine and family.
Jeri Savoy Bosman
Friend
October 15, 2021
Lorraine and family: we just heard of Don’s passing and pray that he is at peace. I didn’t know him as long as the rest of our family, but he made me feel welcome whenever we were with you. May God hold you and the rest of the family in the palms of His hands now and forever. God bless you all!
Kathy Sullivan
September 17, 2021
Dear Aunt Lorraine and family, I am so very sorry to hear about Don's passing. I have so many childhood memories of visiting your house when we were young. Don was a great man and will be missed. Love Bonnie (Sullivan) Stoll
Bonnie Stoll
September 17, 2021
Don, sorry to her the loss of your dad. Felt fortunate to have known him. He as well as you guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ernie Bissaillon
Friend
September 16, 2021
Ward's Nursery Staff
September 16, 2021
dear Lorraine and family
please accept our sincere condolences
marilyn and nabih nejaime
Marilyn Nejaiime
Friend
September 15, 2021
What a great guy and big help. When I watched him run I thought of the movie "The Loneliness of the Cross Country Runner." But Don Ward was never lonely: no man had more friends (or admirers) than he. And kudos to his kids for keeping up the Ward tradition.
James Harris
September 13, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Don. He was one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met and a pillar of the horticultural industry seemingly forever. He always had a pleasant word and a smile whenever I saw him. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Tim Kane
Acquaintance
September 13, 2021
Don, Greg, Mike and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. My mother died in January and I can sympathize with your loss.
I have great memories of you father going to our track and cross country meets at Monument Mountain High School. He made the effort to go to almost all of our meets both home and away and was sometimes our only fan. He really understood our ability and knew if each of us had a great meet or not. He knew which teams were good and which were bad. It meant a lot to me to have him come to our meets. He was a great person to talk to. He was the first person I knew that ran the NYC Marathon back in the late 70s. I was impressed to see someone so old (40s was old then.) running marathons. He helped inspire me to keep running after college and I still run almost every day.
Sincerely ,
Jim Drumm
James Drumm
Acquaintance
September 12, 2021
Fr. Shaun
September 11, 2021
Keith and Kim Hyatt
September 10, 2021
Thinking of the Ward families. You have our deepest sympathy. Christine and Del Martin
Christine Martin
September 10, 2021
Our deepest Sympathies to all the Ward's. We were lucky enough to live across the street from Don and Lorraine for a few years, and they always made us feel like part of the extended family. Lots of love, Robin and Dai Ban
Robin and Dai Ban
Friend
September 10, 2021
Mike,(Bridget,Olivia) & Family: So sorry to hear of your father's passing..please accept our deepest sympathies......Sincerely, Nancy & Russell Davis
nancy davis
Friend
September 10, 2021
To the Ward Family, I wanted to express my condolences to you all on behalf of my family. Don was one of the first people I met upon coming to the Great Barrington community. My family was fortunate to be a next door neighbor for a number of years. I was struck by his gracious nature and he was what would be called a "Fine Man" in the small community of my birth. That was a high compliment indeed to be referred to as a Fine Man by ones fellow citizens in the rural towns of North Carolina. He served his family and his community well for the nearly 90 years. He was a steward or land and community and he will be missed. Fortunately, a part of him will live on in the hearts and minds of the sons, the daughters and the grandchildren that still are a part of our community. He has left you with a wonderful Legacy and may you always let the smiles of the memories cover the tears we all share. Hank Ervin, Nikki, Alex and Sandra Garivaltis
Hank Ervin
Friend
September 10, 2021
To the entire Ward family, we offer our deepest sympathies over the loss of your dear Don.
Years and years ago, I was 40 and took a stretching and exercise class at the MM high school ... I was amazed over what good shape he was in and his humor made the class fun for everyone! Our goals was to clime monument mountain when we finished, we did to celebration!!! Always looked forward to seeing him at the Stockbridge Sportsmen Club too.
Robin & Skip Skowron
Stockbridge
Robin Skowron
Friend
September 10, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Don was a wonderful man who will be missed by many. Sending healing thoughts to the Ward family.
Gene and Pat Salvi
September 10, 2021
Deepest Sympathy and love to a terrific family. May you know God's peace in this time of suffering. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Love, Margaret Vorck, Chris Wright, Fred Vorck Jr, Mike & Lisa DeRuzzio & family
Lisa DeRuzzio
Friend
September 9, 2021
I extend my condolences to all of Don's family and close friends. Whenever our paths crossed I came away with a smile on my face and a light and lovely bounce to my step. His gift to us all enabled so many to bring beauty and harmony into our gardens and our hearts. Don's most profound legacy of grace resides in the spirits of his children following his practice of kindness and compassion for all in a time that does not lend itself easily to extending such respect to the passerby as well as to the friend. I feel extremely fortunate to have known him, and will continue to have fond memories when I think of his tremendous contributions to our community.
Valerie Locher
September 8, 2021
Don, was so careing and kind to everyone. He will certainly be missed. My sincere condolences to his wonderful Wife and all his loving Children.
Elizabeth Budz
Friend
September 8, 2021
I have so many fond memories of childhood spent with the Ward family. And one of my favorite memories is Uncle Donald's laugh. I send all my love and prayers to Aunt Lorraine and family. I am so grateful that my "free range" childhood included many walks between Knob Hill (and later Castle Hill) and Hollenbeck Ave. I remember many summer days, holidays and birthdays celebrating with each other. Rest in Peace Uncle Donald. Thanks for laughing heartily at my sense of humor. I can hear your laugh and see your smile.
Lesliann Tomich Furcht
Friend
September 8, 2021
To the Ward family, our condolences. Don was an amazing gentleman and accomplished so much in his lifetime.
His contributions to our community are too numerous to name. His kindness and love of his family was inspirational and he will be missed.
JACK POLIZZI
September 8, 2021
Sorry to hear that this great man has passed .He was a true gentleman always the same attitude and respect to others. He’ll be missed in all those summer outings that he attended.
Richie Claudio
September 8, 2021
The entire Berkshire County community has lost one of our finest members. Don has been the warmest, most thoughtful and caring person. It was always a pleasure to be in his presence. His creative talent and generosity has had a profound affect on the Great Barrington Community in particular and in all of the Southern Berkshires. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ward family. We were truly blessed to have known him. Bob and Pam Krol & Family.
Robert Krol
Friend
September 8, 2021
Lorraine and Family,
Words cannot express my sadness upon hearing of
Don's passing. As friends and neighbors on Hollenbeck Ave. for so many years, my love and prayers go out to all of you.
Lee Davis and family. Fremont, NH
Lee A. Davis
September 8, 2021
To the Ward Family,
You all were fortunate to have a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. I worked with Don for years and I learned a great deal from him about horticulture and sales. His legacy will on through all of you.
Robin Rinaca
Work
September 8, 2021
Our sincere and deepest sympathy to Lorraine and her family. Our friendship goes back many, many years and is treasured. Donald´s life was one well lived, A very generous and and caring person. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, church and community. Peace, Jim and terry coffey
Jim and terry coffey
September 8, 2021
Thank you for your constant grace and kindness. Our love to your beautiful family from all of us at Helsinki.
Marc & Deborah Schafler
Friend
September 8, 2021
My deepest condolences to your family. He was such a kind and lovely man always there for the community and his family. I will miss his gentle spirit. My prayers are with you. Cheryl Thomson
Cheryl Thomson
Friend
September 8, 2021
I'm a musician who works with Tim Ward, Tim's parents came out to hear us play many times over the years, I spoke to them often. Mr. Ward was a good man, with a big beautiful family, you all are very lucky.
Pete Toigo
Friend
September 8, 2021
Don was a wonderful warm and generous person and an incredible supporter of Great Barrington. I am honored to have known him and call him a friend
Richard Stanley
Friend
September 8, 2021
The Ward and Tomich family were very close. Donald was my husband Matt's best friend. As the obituary said, they were partners in Ward's Nursery for many years. We are very sad but we know that he suffered with his health and now is in Heaven and at peace. We send our sympathy to Lorraine and his children. He will be missed.
garnellla Tomich
Friend
September 7, 2021
My deepest sympathies to Lorraine and the rest of the family. I have fond memories of the time I spent at your house.
Nora Madden
Nora Madden
September 7, 2021
A life and legacy well lived in the Berkshire Community
Our deepest sympathy to his family
Lynne Shiels
September 7, 2021
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Funeral services provided by:
Finnerty Stevens Funeral Home - Great Barrington426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230
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