Charles Francis Ward

Charles Francis Ward was born at home in Ardmore on September 25th, 1929. He was one of 5 children (Rita, Betty, Mary and John B.) born to Margaret and Bernard T. Ward, immigrants from Donegal, Ireland. The story was that his parents were born ‘across a pond’ 40 miles from each other in Donegal, but did not meet until both were gainfully employed in Ardmore after World War 1. He attended St. Colman’s Catholic School. His brother John B. Ward recalls, “Charlie helped deliver milk, newspapers and served mass at 5:30 AM...all before school.” After that he attended West Catholic High School in Philadelphia followed by St. Joseph’s University. In 1951 he joined the Army for the Korean War effort, serving 2 years. Upon his discharge he was hired by Fidelity Life Insurance Company, becoming a licensed Underwriter and embarking on a long, successful career in financial planning. He met and married Letitia M. Hickey over 63 years ago. Charles eventually opening ‘Ward Associates, Financial Planning’ with his first office in Villanova, Pa. with Capital Analysts. He maintained successful businesses for over 50 years until 2009, with his final office in Ardmore, walking distance from where he was born on St Paul’s Road. Tish and Charles had 4 children together, Stephen, Bryan, Jamie and Erin. They eventually moved to Wynnewood where he began his life of service to his home township and especially Ardmore. He was involved in reshaping the Ardmore business district, creating housing for the elderly, and the earliest recycling programs as well as the Library Task Force. He was elected as a Lower Merion township commissioner for 4 consecutive terms and called a “quiet leader”, who would go on to serve as President of the Board for 11 straight years, longer than any chair had before or since. In his last year as Co-chair with Joe Manko, there were 7 Republican and 7 Democratic commissioners. Charles asked his fellow commissioners to leave their partisan issues at the door, “because we still need our trash picked up and our township bills paid”. He was a big supporter of the Ardmore Police and Fire Departments, with John Decker of the Narberth Ambulance Corps, lauding him at a retirement ceremony, stating, “Charles Ward will be remembered for helping launch ‘state of the art’ emergency services in Lower Merion Township”. From the chair Charles always stressed, “the importance of cooperation, respect and courtesy...but most importantly, working together”. Lower Merion Fire Marshall Harry R. Knorr called Charles, “A leader who worked without the spotlight”. Ward was proudest of the Triple A credit rating achieved by the Township during his years of service, and the increase in ‘open spaces’ for everyone to enjoy. Upon leaving the Board of Commissioners Ward gave a speech in which he said, “the board has demonstrated wisdom, fairness, courage and creativity...and I believe that, together, this board will make a difference in the future of this community.” Charles enjoyed tennis and paddle tennis and many celebrations at the Overbrook Country Club and summers at his home in Brigantine, NJ with his family and friends. He enjoyed watching his children sail, fish, play music and go out clamming. Charles continued to stay close and serve on many committees and commissions that improved the businesses and lives of those living in Ardmore and the Main Line. His warm smile, sense of humor and service mindedness will be truly missed. Relatives and friends are invited on Tuesday December 21st, 9 to 10:45 AM Viewing with Funeral Mass to begin at 11 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 380 Highland Ln., Bryn Mawr PA 19010. **Masks will be required at the Church. Burial will follow in St. Denis Cemetery, Havertown, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Church or to The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Funeral arrangements by McConaghy Funeral Home, Ardmore PA. www.mcconaghyfuneralhome.com