Obituary of Thomas Joseph Ward

Thomas Joseph Ward Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep after a long and valiant fight with cancer on November 25, 2018. Born to Clifford and Anna, (nee Kurtz), Ward on July 22, 1938, he grew up in South Philadelphia. He attended Saint Aloysius Elementary school and graduated from LaSalle College High School.  Tom received a four year scholarship to The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania from the Oscar Myer Corporation.  He earned a degree in accounting and continued on to become a Certified Public Accountant. Tom married Patricia, “Patty May”, (nee Keenan), and they raised six children in Lafayette Hill.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.   He is survived by Thomas Jr. (Sandy), Terry Grossman (Michael), Christopher (Sandee), Clifford (Angela) and Douglas (Paola), and ten grandchildren.  He is predeceased in death by his wife, Patricia Ward in 2007 and his son Timothy J. Ward in 1981.

He enjoyed playing Yahtzee, listening to music, sharing his vast knowledge of songs and artists, watching and following sports, and watching horse racing. Son Timothy was born with Muscular Dystrophy and Tom dedicated himself to creating the best life possible for his son.  In addition, Tom became a coach for Whitemarsh Township Biddy Basketball.  He coached four sons on the Jays.  He told stories for years about his basketball coaching years and it was evident that he loved that role.  Tom also coached his daughter in softball.  Tom connected with people through the art of storytelling, at which he was a master.

Tom was raised as an only child, but saw his family grow instantly when he married into the Keenan Family.  Adding six children of his own and ten grandchildren later, Tom always made sure that his family came first.  Whether it be as a son, grandson, nephew, husband, father, brother-in-law or Pop-Pop, family came first.  And true friends, like the Mulberry Lane crowd, were a close second.

Tom's Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, Dec 1 at 11:00 AM at Lownes Family Funeral Home 659 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill

His Visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec 1 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home

Thom's Interment will follow the service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 3301 W Cheltenham Ave., Philadelphia

Donations may be made in Thomas' name to The Einstein Cancer Treatment Center, c/o Oncology Hematology Dept., 609 W Germantown Pk, Suite 280, East Norriton, PA 19401
.