WESTFIELD – Bill Ward passed away peacefully at home in the arms of his two children surrounded by love on Friday, September 22nd, 2023. Born on April 6th, 1939 in Malden, MA to the late John Ward and Elizabeth (Noah) Ward, Bill spent most of his childhood in Tamaqua, PA and graduated from Marian Catholic High School in 1957. From there he completed a 10-year course at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, and began his service at the Allentown, PA Diocese. With the blessing of the Catholic Church, Bill left the active ministry and married his beloved Jeanne (Bannish) Ward, with whom he spent 30 joyful years in her hometown of Westfield, MA before her passing in 2007.
Bill, who holds master’s degrees in theology and psychology, continued his commitment to public service as the President and Chief Executive of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, where he spent 32 years as a leader in workforce development. His innovative approach to education and job creation changed lives and influenced other organizations both locally and nationally. He was an inaugural recipient of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers award and honored for community service by the National Conference for Community and Justice, amongst other accolades. He served on numerous boards including Friends of the Homeless of Greater Springfield and as the one-time Chairman of the board for Abilities Unlimited/Kamp for Kids.
Bill was happiest in the sun: on the pickleball court, playing tennis or by the ocean with family in York Beach, Maine or East Hampton, NY. His greatest joy came from his children Michelle (Matt) Trainor and Christopher J. Ward, his longtime partner, Patricia Furst and especially his four-year-old granddaughter Lila Jeanne Trainor, who was the light of “Pop’s” life. Bill talked to everyone. His warmth, easy grace and youthful spirit touched all those he met and left a lasting impression. He made friends wherever he went, officiated dozens of weddings for friends and family, and treasured all the relationships in his life.
Bill was a brother to Michael (Cathy) Ward, Jane (Joseph) Hovnanian, Jerry (Lorraine) Knowles, Donald Knowles, Ann Marie Price, and the late George, Charles and Paul Ward and the late James Knowles. He was a brother-in-law to Mitch (Karen) Bannish, James (Nancy) Bannish, Steven (Carlene) Bannish, Joan O’Brien, Robert Bannish, Carolyn (Mark) Mastroianni, Sally Bannish and Joan Bannish.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law Henry and Jean (Gogulski) Bannish, and brothers-in-law Henry Bannish Jr., Fredrick Bannish and Peter Bannish.
He also leaves behind many adored nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be Monday, October 2nd from 3 p.m.–7 p.m. at Firtion Adams Funeral Home at 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3rd at Holy Trinity Church, 335 Elm Street, Westfield, MA. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Cancer House of Hope, www.chd.org. www.firtionadams.com
