Richard Charles Ward
Meriden- Richard Charles Ward, 74, beloved husband of Alice Ihrke Ward of Meriden, passed away peacefully at his home January 26, 2005. Born in Portland, Oregon, May 30, 1930, a son of the late Leonard and Jessie Scott Ward. Mr. Ward resided in Meriden since 1934 and graduated from Meriden High School, class of 1948. He was employed at Northeast Utilities for 39 years as a Test Coordinator before retiring in 1992. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the Castle Craig Color Camera Club, the Quarter Century Wireless Association, American Radio Relay League and the Meriden Amateur Radio Club, his call name being WIEYF. Some of his most enjoyable memories were of cruises with his wife and many trips to Disney World with his family members and grandchildren, Paul, Melany, and Emily. Besides his wife Alice, he is survived by his children: Richard Charles Ward, Jr. and his wife Jennifer, Cynthia Szymaszek and husband, David, David Stratton and soul mate Eden, Steven Stratton, Mark Stratton and his wife Nicole, Stephen Ward and his wife, Maria, Jeffery Ward and his wife, Debbie, and Allan Ward and his wife, Donna; grandchildren, Paul, Melany, and Emily Szymaszek, Ann, Chelsea, Curtis, and Casey Stratton, Isaac Neman, Alexis, Gregory, and Christopher Ward, John Soto, and Marissa Lyttle and her husband, William, twin sister, Betty Ward, and brother, Arthur Ward and his wife, Jackie. Mr. Ward is also survived by nieces, Kim Ward and her friend, Dena, Tara Ward and her friend, Jack, nephew, Scott Ward and his wife, Holly and very good friend, Robin Ganley. A special thanks to Dr. Nadkarni for her loving support. Funeral service Saturday, Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FLATOW FUNERAL HOME, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Franciscan Hospice Care, PO Box 4001, Meriden, CT 06450.
Alice, Cynthia You are in my thoughts through this difficult time.
Alice, We are so sorry. I really enjoyed the emails from Dick. His jokes are what I always remember and how he could look so serious and then make you laugh. He will be in our prayers always as will you. Call if you need anything. Love, Ed and Val
Alice, what a great loss for you. You were both wonderful neighbors and I miss the backyard chats we had. Remember the good times and cherish the challenges, these are what make us who we are are. He is always with you in spirit and love. Take care of yourself, because he would expect that of you. Lots of love and care, The Zubers.
Alice, You\’ll never know how happy I am that I was able to share a cruise with you and Dick. That will always be the best vacation I have ever had. Dick could always make me laugh and I will miss him very much. You and everyone are in my heart and prayers. I\’m looking at the moon, are you? I love you!!!
Art and Jackie, Sorry for your loss. Ed and Val
Cindy, Dave, Paul, Melany, and Emily, Cherish the memories, especially the last few days, and they will get you through. I love you! Kim
Cynthia and family i am so sorry to hear the loss of your dad,may you and your\’s find comfort knowing that he is in Gods hands. God bless. Liz.
Cynthia and family i am so sorry to hear the loss of your dad,may you and your\’s find comfort knowing that he is in Gods hands. God bless. Liz.
Dear Alice and family, I\’m so sorry to hear that Dick has been taken from us. Please know how well he will be remembered by those of us who learned so much from him at work. He was one of the most dedicated, energetic, resourceful, and friendly co-workers I ever knew. He and his old side kick Russ Mullins were my first direct reports at the Test Department and I remember so much about him so happily. I\’m sorry that family commitments will prevent me from attending tomorrow\’s service but I hope you know I would have been there if at all possible. God Bless You and all of Dick\’s family in this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Fred Hart
Dick I will miss the laughter and little jokes we shared. Thank you for being a good father to my best friend. And also thank you for treating me as apart of you family.
Dick was someone who had a great impact on my life. He taught me to look at things in different ways. He was someone who did exactly what he had said. For years we would get on him about his smoking that it would lead to an attack and his response was \’he\’d quite after his 1st heart attack\’. Which is exactly what he did. He had a way about him that put EVERYONE at ease. Even though I hadn\’t seen him for a while, I will miss him.
Hey girlfriend, sorry to hear about your dad, wish i was there for you, I am now! please call me if you need anything, your girlfriend Sue.
I truly enjoyed working with Dick at Northeast Utilities. To me he was a teacher, a mentor, and friend. He was always ready to share a joke or story which made each day working with him even more enjoyable. Everyone who worked with Dick immediately recognized him as a extremely dedicated and hard worker. When he retired, it was a tremendous loss for NU. Now, it is a tremendous loss for all who knew him. I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy during this sad time.
Jeff and Allan, My deepest sympathies to you and your families. God Bless you all. Ed Landsberg
Rich and Jen, I know how special the last couple of weeks were for you. And they were for your mom and dad too. I hope those memories will help you through this time. You are in my thoughts. Love, Kim
Steve, Maria, Greg and Chris, My deepest sympathies to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless. Love, Kim Childs and family
Steve, Mark, David and your families, I hope your memories are a comfort for you. Dick was a special man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Kim
The Ward family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies to all of you and your families. Kim Childs and family