William Ward McMasters

William Ward McMasters, known to all as "Ward," of Penndel, PA, passed peacefully into the Lord's arms on Thursday, January 23, 2025. He was 90 years old. Born in Philadelphia on July 26, 1934, he was the loving son of the late Walter S. and Dorothy (Davis) McMasters.
Ward was a proud 1952 graduate of Bartram High School in Philadelphia. After that, he pursued his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from West Chester University (1956) and later, his Master's degrees in Education and English from Temple University (1965). He and the love of his life and soulmate, Shirley, met when they were young at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. They wed on August 22, 1959, and celebrated 57 years together until her passing in 2017.
Ward's calling in life was to be of service to others. He joined the United States Army in 1957 and achieved the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. He was dedicated to his career at the Neshaminy School District, retiring as Principal of Neshaminy Middle School. Ward was a man of great faith and devoted himself to his church as a member of St. James Episcopal Church for 63 years. He was equally committed to his Bucks County community. He served on the Penndel Borough Council (former President), the Penndel Heritage Society, the Bristol Riverside Theater Board, and until the day he passed, was still an active member of the Rotary Club of Langhorne (and past President). He especially loved the Rotary's Annual Pet Fair!
To a fault, Ward had a hard time accepting help because he would have much preferred extending it to others. There was never a time that he was not willing to assist with an event, community fundraising activities, or offer his time, support, and kindness to listen and help. He believed in the potential of our youth and was wholeheartedly invested in his students over the years. Ward's impact on his family, church, neighbors, and town extends beyond any measure. He will be eternally loved and forever missed by those whose lives he touched.
In addition to his beautiful wife, Shirley, Ward was predeceased by his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Neal, his brothers, Harry and Walter McMasters, and sister, Katherine Woods. He is survived by his loving children, Shirley Anne Kish (David), W. Ward McMasters (Teri), and Andrew C. McMasters (Mary); and his 8 beloved grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to come to pay their respects on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 5:00-8:00pm at Dunn-Givnish Funeral Home, 378 South Bellevue Avenue, Langhorne, PA 19047; and on January 31 from 11:00am-12:00pm at St. James Episcopal Church, 330 South Bellevue Avenue, Langhorne, PA 19047. Ward's Life Celebration will follow at noon (Livestream: https://www.facebook.com/stjameslanghorne)
Interment with full military honors will be held at Beechwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Ward's honor be made to the Rotary Club of Langhorne, P.O. Box 23, Langhorne, PA 19047 (https://langhornerotary.com//).