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FRANKLIN WARD Obituary

WARD--Dr. Franklin S., passed away peacefully at his home in Fieldston on April 4. He was 89 years old. Son of Burt and Paulette Ward, brother of Marilyn E. LaMarche. Devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his children Craig Ward and Alison Ward Frank. Father-in-law to Lisa Ward and Matthew Frank, grandfather to Benjamin, Rebecca, Jake and Adam. Dr. Ward was a graduate of Columbia Business School and New York University Medical School. He was on the Board of both St. Claires and Elizabeth Hospitals. Well respected, admired and loved by his patients and the Inwood community where he was in private practice for over 50 years. Dr. Ward was recognized on multiple occasions for his devotion to his patients and for being a pillar of the community. Patients described him as compassionate, kind and generous as he would never turn anyone away if they were unable to pay. His 50 year marriage to his wife Doris was looked upon as exemplary by all that knew and loved them. He will be sorely missed.

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Published by New York Times on Apr. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for FRANKLIN WARD

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Ray McCormack

June 2, 2025

A wonderful generous individual

Patricia Sweeney

March 27, 2024

I was just speaking to a colleague about Dr. Ward. He was one of a kind. I looked him up and sadly saw this obituary. I always felt like someone should tell his life story. He was a pretty incredible guy and doctor. He will be missed.

brid hutchinson

June 11, 2023

I remember going as a patient to this man. He was an absolute gentleman who truly was a Saint on this earth. Rip kind man x

Selwyn and Felicia Duke

May 8, 2023

We just learned of Dr. Ward's passing. We are sad to hear of it. Dr. Ward was a phenomenal, dedicated physician and was our family doctor for decades. He was honest and devoted, everything a true healer should be.

We extend our sincerest condolences to his family. His was a life well lived.

God bless,

Selwyn and Felicia Duke.

Mary O´Sullivan

April 5, 2023

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Ward. I was so thankful for his care when I was a new immigrant to this country. He was kind, devoted and truly cared for his patients. I remember the map that was in his examination room. He asked me to put a pin on where I was from- you couldn´t even see Ireland for all the pins! Condolences to his family and friends.

Dan Robinson

June 14, 2022

Doctor Ward helped me so many times - I first visited him when I was an emancipated 17-year old, and he kept me healthy as I grew into adulthood. I've thought of his kindness many times over the years. May he rest in peace - and peace to his family.

Olivia (patient of Dr. Ward)

April 6, 2022

Doctor Ward was a kind and beautiful human being.

Michele Marte-Indzonka

April 6, 2021

I am sorry to be writing this so late but I want to express my deepest sympathy to Alison and Craig Ward and their familiies. Where do I begin? I will always remember all the good times we spent with your family and mine- from our houses and restaurants to traveling to Washington DC. Your Dad was a dedicated doctor, a wonderful friend to my parents Dr. Luis and Ann Marte-Abreu and a devoted husband and father. Rest in peace Dr. Ward.

EDDIE ALONZO

March 30, 2021

my condolences to the entire family DR, WARD WAS A GREAT DOCTOR I WAS ONE OF HIS PATENTS FOR MANY YEARS. YOU CANT FIND DOCTORS LIKE HIM ANY MORE HE WAS ONE OF A KIND HE WAS A VERY GOOD MAN MAY, GOD WATCH OVER HIM. THANK YOU, DR, WARD FOR TAKING CARE OF ME AND MY FAMILY FOR SO MANY YEARS. AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GREAT ADVICE.

Franklin Ward

January 8, 2021

His legacy would not be forgotten and shall serve as an example for generations to come.

Yolanda Collins

November 30, 2020

This Doctor was one of the BEST - I was actually looking to make an appointment with him because of my memories of him. He was our family doctor. May he Rest In Peace - thanks Dr. Ward for serving us. Condolences to his family.

William Porterfield

October 31, 2020

Like others, Dr. Ward became my doctor because I was a sick baby and he would make house calls. My entire family became his patients. I second the suggestion that 204 St, or at least his corner, be named after him.

S Connell

April 27, 2020

I dont remember this but my Mother told me I had an earache and when she called Dr. Wards office he heard me crying and made a house call, 4 flights up, to see me. This was around 1963. He was our family physician all through the years and even after we left Inwood, my Mom still went back to him. He was a great Doctor and a truly wonderful human being. I will always remember his kindness and holding your hand going in to his office and coming out! I would love to see 204th street renamed Dr Franklin Ward Street. May he Rest In Peace.

Lisa Sanchez

April 23, 2020

He was one of generosity and love ❤ I know I'll miss you forever. He taught the best things, and many life lessons I'll never forget

Doreen Clavell

April 16, 2020

I grew up on 204th Street and shared the alley way with Dr. Ward's office. So of course I saw him every day walking his patients down the block shaking their hand all the way! He was so kind to my family and to everyone in Inwood. I remember the day Lew Alcindor aka Kareem (from St. Jude's Parish) brought his Mom to Dr Ward's office and all the kids hanging out to see the giant kid. Plus the triple parking in front of the office when alternate street parking was in place. Dr Ward would let us know when we he was leaving to get his parking spot. Thanks Dr Ward and his lovely family for all the years of dedication to the Inwood community, RIP

Keith strasser

April 15, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Haidee Bonnelly

April 15, 2020

The kindest and most caring doctor I ever had..a very nice person as well. I'm fortunate to have been one of his patients for many years. He helped me through some difficult times with kindness and empathy.

Ann

April 13, 2020

My deepest condolences, Dr. Ward saved both of my parents lives on separate occasions, one involving a house call. May he Rest In Peace. He was one of a kind❤

Gina

April 13, 2020

I grew up in ,Inwood & Dr.Ward was the best in the neighborhood, a true humanitarian , my condolences to the Family !

Melanie Gould

April 13, 2020

Sorry for your loss. Sending love and strength to Allison and Greg. Thinking of Doris

Thomas Dr Gould

April 13, 2020

It is a great honor to discuss the life & times of my dear friend & colleague dr Franklin Ward the past 45 years. He is most certainly a legend in his practice of medicine in Northern Manhattan. People came from all areas to see Dr Ward. He elevated the quality of medicine in the Inwood area. Practicing & leading in multiple small hospitals in the area. His love & respect for family was always his priority & his friendship over the years ( from childhood to new friends) was equally important.
His love & friendship for his wife Doris was well known to everyone & he shared his loyalties & friendship many times during the year with his generous parties.
When he found a restaurant to his liking he would eat in that restaurant weekly starting with Coca Cola & tomato juice before even sitting down.
He travelled all around the world with his wide & his friends & returned to his favorite spot over & over.
He supported a basketball team in Inwood with his logo on their shirts.
I often visited him at his office & he would jump in the air 2 feet & clicking his feet together.
Thank you for being my friend this past 45 years & you will always be in my heart & soul forever.

James Quinn

April 13, 2020

Rip dr ward we all loved you from all your patients from inwood n Quinn family on Sherman ave

Natalie

April 13, 2020

He was a great Doctor. He knew everything and was very kind. My condolences to his family, friends and patients.

Coleen McCourt

April 13, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

S. Collado

April 13, 2020

My condolence to the family of Dr Ward. He was a devoted physician who cared for his patients. May he Rest In Peace.

George Gilholm

April 13, 2020

God bless you Dr. Ward and may you rest in peace. We thank you for being one of the very best caregivers we ever knew. You truly cared for each and every person that came to you. We were blessed to have known you.

Peggy O'Brien

April 13, 2020

He was our family doctor for many many years. I remember as a child he made house calls to our home during emergencies. He truly was such a wonderful man and loved by so many of the families in Inwood. We will never forget him and we are grateful to have know him.

John Solo

April 13, 2020

Dr Ward was a kind and compassionate person. He was so upbeat and positive. He loved his patients very much. Very much involved with the Inwood community. He is a true angel. RIP

Diane

April 13, 2020

Thank u Dr Ward for All that u did for me & my family

Linett Durham

April 13, 2020

He was a the best. From hailing cabs for his patients to just sitting and talking like buds about life. He was the medicine. Great wonderful human. So sorry for this loss.

Lisa DaCosta

April 12, 2020

Our beloved Dr. Ward was one of the most loving, caring and devoted doctors I have ever known. He was the neighborhood doctor and for all the people. He cared more for his community than about money. He cared for my entire family and held our hands as he escorted us into his office. He was a gentle caring soul. Thank you for your service. We were all blessed to have known you. Rest in peace.

Ginger Curran

April 12, 2020

Not sure how to begin...this man was my second father! I grew up next door and he took me in and raised me. My mom died when I was 9..my Dad was busy working and Dr. Ward hired me to do simple tasks around his office..and, basically fathered me! Not sure I would have survived my childhood without him!!!! He instilled in me an ability that I could be ok..my childhood was chaotic to say the least, but this man literally took me n changed my life! Today, I am a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner because of the support he gave me! He was the kindest person I have ever known!!!!!! Saved my life..literally! My biggest hope is that his son Craig n daughter Allisons grief is somehow lessened by knowing how their Dad changed the trajectory of my life and I now try my best to give back as their Dad did! With much love to all of his family! Life n hugs, Ginger ❤❤

Maria Tsucalas

April 12, 2020

Dearest Dr Ward, Thank you for taking care of me and my family . You were our family doctor growing up. You were the most gentle and compassionate soul. Heaven truly gained an angel. May you Rest In Peace

Laura McGuire

April 12, 2020

Thank you Dr Ward for always being there for the McGuire family. RIP.

THERESA GAYNORD

April 12, 2020

He was a wonderful doctor/diagnostician. A compassionate and brilliant man. Still needed to this day. May he rest in peace. He will always be special to me.

Matthew Harrigan

April 12, 2020

A good man period

Tatum

April 12, 2020

Dr ward cared for me up until I moved from the Inwood area.... In addition to being my physician, he was the physician to my father and my mother... he was an amazing soul. Heaven gained another blessing

Stephanie O'Neill Snow

April 12, 2020

Dr. Ward would see me and my sister and wouldnt not always charge us. He knew everyone in the neighborhood. He was old school doctor and well liked. He sent me to Dr Sobel for an eye infection when I was a teenager and I still see him.

Timothy Reynolds

April 12, 2020

He was kind, caring and a great Doctor to have growing up in Inwood. I always liked him shaking your hand all the way to the corner !!!

Diane Bruner

April 12, 2020

I cannot put into words how I felt about this man. Wonderful Doctor who took an interest in his patients lives other than medical and was a wealth of knowledge about Inwood. Res In Peave.

Barbara jeselson

April 12, 2020

Dr.ward is remembered fondly by all that knew and loved him. My family still misses him dearly. He was a great doctor, one that will never find again.

Neal Baumann

April 12, 2020

He was our family doctor for many years. A wonderful man. I taught his son how to swim.

Rita

April 12, 2020

Here is a man that was truly Gods servant. He never turned anyone away. He was a good person & a wonderful & respected doctor. I will never forget him He saved the life of both my young daughter & my brother. I shall never forget him. Rest in the arms of Jesus. Dr Ward. You finally are getting your just reward. Rita Daly

April 12, 2020

Loved Dr. Ward. We had an emergency and called as he was closing his office. His daughter was about to give birth and he had to go, yet he waited for us .... One of a kind. My sincere condolences to his family.

April 12, 2020

A wonderful man, so kind hearted. He was our family doctor for many years in Inwood and I will always have fond memories.

Marilyn Ramirez

April 12, 2020

Everyday after work, when I walked home to my apartment on Seaman Dr. Ward would say hello and ask me about my day. He always had a special hello for my children. He always made me pause and just be in the moment. Thank you for being a pillar in the community. May Dr. Ward Rest In Peace

Stephen

April 12, 2020

Dr. Ward was a great man and was our family doctor in Inwood for many years. Ill never forget when he helped at me age 5 when I broke my femur. Thank you for your service to the the Inwood community. God bless, and Maybe you rest in peace.

janice flanagan

April 12, 2020

Thank you Dr Ward. Rest in Peace Neighbor

Jacqueline (Evers)

April 12, 2020

He was my doctor from when he started on 204th till he retired. He was a rare person. He was a true Dr. Welbey.

Elizabeth

April 12, 2020

A legend in Inwood. I will never forget him. He was a great doctor.

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