Jarrett "Jay" Ward

Jarrett “Jay” Ward passed away on January 1, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a life defined by steadiness, generosity, and quiet strength. Jay was a devoted husband to his wife, Lisa, and a loving father to his children, Cate, Paige (Mike), Molly (Kaylee), Aliceanna, and Amelia as well as a proud Opa to Malia and Shannon. Family was the center of Jay’s life, and he took deep pride in each of his “five girls” and the paths they were forging. He especially cherished time spent together as a family, including annual snowboarding trips and frequent trips to his beloved 5 Girls Lake House. Jay is also survived by his parents, Arlene and Charles Leight; his sisters, Debbie (Ed), Patty (Fred), Kathleen (Mike), Diane, and Lisa (Mike), his nephews Jarrett and David, with whom he worked closely, and numerous other nieces and nephews, extended family members, his trusty, cross-eyed hound, Rudy, and friends who were fortunate to know and love him.

Those who knew Jay will remember him as a genuinely good man – dependable, thoughtful, and kind. A man of faith, he was someone others could count on without question, a steady presence who listened more than he spoke and whose actions consistently reflected his values. Jay was also a long-time business owner in the Bel Air community, known for his integrity, fairness, and the trust he earned throughout his career. His presence brought reassurance and calm, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.

Visiting at the Lassahn Funeral Home, Inc, 7401 Belair Road (Overlea) on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 2-5 and 7-9 pm. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11am. Interment Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay’s name, to Divine Faith Fellowship, a ministry close to his heart that he supported from its inception. Donation checks can be made payable to Divine Faith Fellowship and mailed to 1201 Dahlia Court, Bel Air, MD 21014.