Matthew Peter Ward

  “Matthew Peter Ward, 65, of Charlotte, NC passed away Friday, December 19, 2025 in his home in Charlotte.

  Matt was born September 12, 1960 in Queens, NY to the late Peter Jerome Ward and the late Mary Margaret Ward. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Katarina Ward, sister Nancy Fahy and husband Jack, sister Marianne Ryerson and husband Tom, nieces Gretchen Ryerson and Jennie Ryerson, as well as cousins Laura Searcy, Nick Fischer and Franci Candlin.

  As a boy growing up in Queens, NY, Matt enjoyed riding around and fixing his bike and he eventually made that mechanical aptitude into his career in the printing and beverage industries. His work gave him the opportunity to visit and live in a few European countries for a period of time, which he enjoyed and where he also met his wife.

  Although the youngest of three siblings and being cared for by his older sisters, most of all Matt was the caring brother who also took care of them. As an adult he was always the first to offer a helping hand to his friends and neighbors, with anything from repairing or building things to caring for their pets.

  Matt was passionate about animal care and loved all the dogs he had over the years deeply. He was the happiest when on a fishing boat far out on the ocean trying to catch his next meal.

  Matt will be remembered by his family and friends as a genuine, caring and generous person who was always there when they needed him.

  A memorial service to celebrate Matt’s life will be held at a later date.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greyhound Friends of North Carolina.”