William Glenwood Ward Sr

William Glenwood Ward Sr. 87, went to be with Jesus peacefully at home on March 7, 2026 in the arms of his wife and surrounded by loved ones. Up until the end, Bill maintained his kindness and grace, expressing gratitude for his long and wonderful life.

Bill was born on August 30, 1938 in Washington, DC to Robert Roy Ward Sr. and Margaret Geris Ward. He attended Holy Name Grade School where he met his future wife. Bill graduated from St John's College High School in 1957 and went on to earn a long-desired college degree from Harrisburg Area Community College in 2011 with highest honors. Bill was a United States Army Veteran and spent his career working for the Defense Mapping Agency, retiring in 1995.

Bill was a loving husband for nearly 67 years to his high school sweetheart JoAnn DeSarno Ward and father to William Glenwood Ward Jr., Theresa Ward Geroux and Christopher James Ward.

After retirement Bill moved with his wife from their long-time home in Rockville to Ocean View, DE to fulfill his dream of living near the beach. Bill worked at a local beer store where he made many new friends and enjoyed his retirement.

The greatest glory for Bill was the arrival of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill loved his new role as Pop Pop and delighted in showing anyone and everyone the many pictures of them in his wallet.

After 8 years enjoying his love of the beach, Bill moved to Stewartstown, Pennsylvania where he spent time with family, making new friends, traveling with his wife and becoming known as the shoe man at Boscov's. Bill spent years coaching youth football for his grandsons' teams where he became known as everyone's Pop Pop.

Throughout his life, Bill's love and knowledge of sports, history, family history and antique cars was shared with many. On family vacations Bill would share many interesting facts with his children, often quizzing them later to see if they were paying attention.

Bill is survived by his wife JoAnn D. Ward, his son William G. Ward Jr. and his wife Irene of Fredericksburg, Va, his daughter Theresa Ward Geroux of Shrewsbury, Pa., and his son Christopher James Ward of Kennett Square, Pa. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren Adrienne (Kenny) Lewis, William (Meaghan) Ward, Nicole (Luke) Baab, Alexander (Courtnee) Geroux, Maxwell (Desi) Geroux, Maria Ward, Matthew Ward, Henry Ward, Edward Ward and John Ward. He is also survived by his twelve great grandchildren Leah (15), Connor (14), Ava (10), Adeline (9), Joanna (7), Claire (6), Lucille (5), Reid (5), Calvin (5), Rose (4), Mary Jane (4), and Beckett (3). Others who loved and will miss him are his brother Paul Ward and his sister Kathleen Ward Collins, as well as many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his son-in-law James Geroux, his brothers Robert Roy Jr., Joseph and James Ward and his infant sister Eileen.

We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the many lessons he has taught us, the memories we will cherish forever and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. A celebration of William's life will be held on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Freedom, PA.