Francis Ward

Francis (Frank) Joseph Ward, of New Rochelle, New York, was born July 11, 1956, in the Bronx. He passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, at the age of 68. Frank was raised, as he put it, all over the Bronx, residing in number of distinct sections of the Borough. He considered himself a Bronx boy handily navigating his way by subway, bus, car or by foot. Frank attended Central Commercial High School, located in the heart of Manhattan, where he began his accounting studies. Moving on to Baruch College, he refined his skills, which he honed for his entire accounting career.
One of Frank's collegiate extracurricular activities focused on music; he started as a DJ at WBMB, Baruch's radio station, working his way up to Station Manager. He carried his love of music and his time at WBMB with him throughout his life, sharing his eclectic musical tastes with those he loved.
Frank's knowledge about all things sports was renowned, but his heart belonged to the Yankees and the Jets. He even tried out for the Yankees! But Frank never ever rooted against a New York team, and many a game would find him right in front of the TV screen, coaching.
On November 18, 1983, Frank met Denise Pagano, a recent law school graduate on a blind date. Frank and Denise married on September 21, 1985, when Frank took up the task to be the calm in the storm he called Denise.
Their one beautiful daughter, Ashley Ann was born October 1987. Frank was a doting, patient father, embracing fatherhood with grace. He imparted to Ashley his unique sense of humor, teaching her about The Three Stooges, Mel Brooks and Monty Python. He took her to Jets games in the freezing cold, to Yankee games in the rain, and on annual pilgrimages to see his special sights in New York City and beyond. Frank and Denise raised Ashley to love animals, especially cats; there was never an animal that didn't like Frank.
Frank proudly walked Ashley down the aisle to marry Matthew McCarrick, who he knew would take good care of his family. He could not be prouder of his status as a grandfather to Cecilia; he adored every moment he shared with her.
Frank is survived by Denise, Ashley, Matt and Cecilia, and many cousins and friends who encircled Frank with
their love and with whom he shared so many significant moments.
A wake will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 2-6 pm at Westchester Funeral Home, 190 Main Street, Eastchester, New York 10709. The funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 53 Winter Hill Road, Tuckahoe, New York 10707.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Frank's memory via the following links:
The Miracle League of Westchester https://mlwny.org/donate/
Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation https://give.myotonic.org/fundraiser/6396011