Ralph Ward Obituary
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Ralph was born on November 2, 1930, in Roaring Branch, Pennsylvania, the son of Ralph and Lillian (Preston) Ward. On June 30, 1951, he married the love of his life, Echo McLaughlin, and together they shared 74 wonderful years of marriage. He served his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict.
He was employed for 45 years as an Aircraft Assembler at Schweizer Aircraft in Horseheads, retiring in 1996. Ralph also worked for many years as a television repairman, a second job he took on so his wife could remain at home to raise their children, a testament to his devotion to family.
In his free time, Ralph was an avid golfer and bowler, and he enjoyed playing cards with friends. He was musically inclined and could play both the harmonica and guitar. His band once even opened for Hank Williams. Though a man of few words, those who knew him understood the depth of his wisdom and character. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Echo Ward; and their six children: Sharon Letterie of Long Island, NY, Kevin (Anne) Ward of Panama City Beach, FL, Cheryl (William) LaBarre of Wilmington, NC, Gail Atherton of Beaver Dams, NY, Brian (Florence) Ward of Beaver Dams, NY, Valarie (Frank) Cipolla of Erie, PA; grandchildren: Douglas, Amy, Michael, David, Biannca, Amanda, Matthew, Derick, Jennifer, Lindsay, and Alex; 15 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Barbara Ribble of Beaver Dams, NY.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was predeceased by his siblings: Lillian, Bob, Sandy, Laura, and Wilma.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Beaver Dams Community Church, Main Street, Beaver Dams, NY, with Pastor David Wakeman. Carpenter's Funeral Home has been entrusted with his arrangements.
Service Details
Celebration of Life When
Saturday, August 9th, 2025 1:00pm
Location
Beaver Dams Communtiy Church
Address
Main Street
Beaver Dams, New York 14812 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ralph P. Ward, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
The Staff of Carpenter's Funeral Home
October 25, 2025
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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