Ward, William J.

Fairport – Died on January 18, 2020, at the age of 95. Predeceased by first wife, Jane Ward, after 47 years of marriage. Survived by wife of 20 years, Lilita Lassen-Ward, children, Robin Ezell, Gary Ward, Susan (Eric) Hylbert, Tracey (Joe) Mannix, Jay (Claude) Ward, Lee Ward, 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren (with 3 more on the way).

Born in Pittsburgh, PA. Served during WWII for over 3 years, leaving as a 1st Lieutenant, Infantry.  Using GI Bill, he graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1948, with degree in Management Engineering.  Worked for Corning Glass works, Charleroi, PA,   Thatcher Glass in Elmira, NY and American Cyanamid Surgical Product Division, Danbury, Connecticut before moving to Fairport, NY and joining Hickock Corporation as Director of Engineering and  Development until company was sold.  Joined the US Post Office as Industrial Engineering Coordinator of the  Rochester General Mail Facility on Jefferson Road, until his retirement. Member of Church of  the Assumption, Fairport, since 1968, serving on Church Council and as Lector.  Was member of Knights of Columbus for many years, serving as Grand Knight of Bishop McQuaid Council No. 7085 at Church of the Assumption in his final years.  He enjoyed running – up to 5 miles per day until age 75 and playing golf, first at Marvin’s Country Club (now Crooked Pines) for 20 years and member of McGregor Golf League for over 13 years.  President for past 10 years of the Carnegie Mellon University Alumni Clan of Rochester.  He enjoyed wintering in Florida and traveling around the world.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Assumption, Fairport, on Saturday March 7th at 9 AM, immediately followed by a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UR Medicine Hospice, 2180 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY 14580. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, Fairport.