Name: Visitation for Arthur J. "Art" Ward
Start: 2022-07-05T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-07-06T00:00:00.000Z
Location: O'Brien Funeral Home - Bristol

Arthur "Art" J. Ward, 75, former Mayor of Bristol, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Son of the late Jack and Mary (Hartney) Ward, Art was the beloved husband of Patricia (Cassina) Ward.
After his graduation from Bristol Eastern High School, Art joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and served proudly in Vietnam receiving a Purple Heart medal.
Following his service, Art vowed to make veterans a priority and accomplished this through his active membership and participation in numerous veterans' organizations, his constant advocacy of veterans, and his work as a Veteran Services Officer for the State of CT. His years of service were recognized through his induction into the Veterans Hall of Fame.
A lifelong resident of Bristol, Art was committed to his city. He served numerous years on many boards and committees, and owned a local business, Award Café, "Home of the Sausage Burger."
Art was a City Councilor for 14 years, and his dedication to Bristol was solidified when he was elected as Mayor in 2000.Art served three terms before retiring to enjoy time with his family.
In addition to his wife, Patricia, Art is survived by his three children and their spouses, Kim and Jeffrey Holley, Kevin and Dianne Ward, and Erin and Warren Hamilton; seven grandchildren, Makenna, Hunter, Warren, Adam, Avery, Ella and Will; in-laws Adele Bancroft, MaryAnn Lee, Rita and Michael Pletscher, Daniel and Bette Cassina, and Jean Cassina; several nieces and nephews; some very special and loyal friends, and his fellow veterans.
Art was predeceased by three brothers, Michael Barzee and Charles and John Ward.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 4-8 p.m. at O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to church for A Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 11:15 a.m. at St. Gregory Church, 235 Maltby St., Bristol followed by Interment with Military Honors at the State Veteran Cemetery in Middletown.
Please share a memory of Art with his family in the online guestbook at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Art's memory may be made to the American Legion, Post #2, 22 Hooker St., Bristol, CT 06010.

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

Published by The Bristol Press from Jul. 2 to Jul. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Ward

Sponsored by O'Brien Funeral Home - Bristol.

11 Entries

Gary Reed

July 8, 2022

Artie was for the City of Bristol and the vets, a great guy who did all for everyone that he could. Art will be missed by all. God bless Art Ward.

Patrick & Marty Knoell

July 8, 2022

We are very saddened for your family´s loss. We just got to to know Art this spring as we live 2 doors down in Summerwood. For the short time we had with him we know what a kind, genuine and giving person he is. We will keep Art´s soul in our prayers and all the family as well. Pat if there is anything you ever need at the condo please reach out to us. God Bless you and your family.

Edward and Candice Litwinczyk

July 8, 2022

Eddie and Art were friends for years. We have a great deal of respect for a proud veteran, a kind and helpful man who cared so much about Bristol and those who lived in there. When we see the flags all over Bristol we can just picture Joe and Art up there on the truck with such pride and love as they celebrate the patriotism of our town. We remember oldies dances we used to attend while our kids grew up and attended the same schools in Bristol.

Our hearts are with Pat and family and hope they can be comforted with the loving memories and laughter they shared . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fondly Eddie and Candy

Rick Thorne

July 6, 2022

I just wanted to let the Ward family to know I'm so sorry to hear of their loss with deepest sympathy .

Rebecca Bryant

July 5, 2022

So sorry for your loss!!! He was an amazing man and great friend! To Pat and the family again so sorry! Art and my sister Caroline saying hi to me, I will miss him Love from Rebecca Bryant

Eric Clemons

July 5, 2022

On behalf of the Greater Bristol Branch of the NAACP, we send our deepest condolences to the Ward family and the many people his kind and giving nature touched over the years. He took special care to work with past NAACP President Lexie Mangum, as we collaborated to resolve many issues and help Bristol move into being a more diverse and accepting community. Art was a giant in this community and will be dearly missed. He was a true servant and friend. We at the NAACP are so glad our paths crossed. Rest well, Art!

Eric Clemons
President/ Greater Bristol NAACP

Octavio and Martha Lanza & Family

July 4, 2022

Dear Pat, Kim, Erin and Kevin our deepest condolences for your loss With love the Lanza family

Elaine Betoncourt CSJ

July 3, 2022

You have my sincere sympathy and loving prayers.

JILL RUSSO RN

Sent Flowers

John and Marie Scalia

July 2, 2022

Dear Pat, Kim, Erin and Kevin,
May the memories you have keep your soul full and the love that surrounds you help your heart heal.
Our warmest condolences, Marie and John

Al Plourde

July 1, 2022

Art was one of a kind. His personality and sense of humor were outstanding. ,Art was always ready with a wisecrack or quick comeback. He was also passionate about the City of Bristol and Veterans Affairs. He will be missed.

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