John Bernard Patrick Ward

John Bernard Patrick Ward, born October 21, 1934 in the Bronx NY, passed away with his family at his side on October 29, 2024. John is survived by his wife Janet, daughter, Karin Ward and her wife Courtney Kaup, Timothy Ward and his wife, Anna Johansen. Plus, two lovely grandchildren, Halle and Remy Ward.

With parents born in county Leitrim and county Cavan Ireland, John was always proud of his Irish heritage. John’s story starts in the Bronx, NY, just a few blocks from Yankee Stadium, followed by a family move to Bellerose, NY, where he lived with his sisters and brother.

Proud to have served two years in the Army, he was again recalled to serve during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Fortunately, his boots never left the U. S. soil.

John met Janet in 1959. To follow up that meeting, John invited Janet to meet him for lunch “Under the Umbrella” (short for hot dog stand). Clearly, she was impressed; they were married on October 12, 1963.

Always an outdoor enthusiast, the lure of skiing and golf in Vermont led to an entrepreneurial venture in VT where John created Green Mount Lodge in Peru, VT, hosting skiers bussed in to be served by a motley crew of family and friends. With that experience under his belt John remodeled a building in Manchester and the Track-Fore Motor Lodge was created.

Once John’s children arrived in the early 1970s, John transitioned to Real Estate. As daughter Karin and son Tim grew up, John invested in several local real estate businesses.  He manufactured fireplace inserts as well as backpack and tent frames for the U.S. government in what is now the Manchester Center Post Office building, which he built. John established the Manchester Discount Beverage and invested in other local businesses before contracting to build houses in the Southern Vermont area.

There will be a Catholic Mass on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 4:00 pm held by Father Beaudin at Christ Our Savior Parish, formerly St. Paul Church, 398 Bonnet Street in Manchester Ctr, VT.

Memorial contributions in honor of John may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project c/o Brewster Shea Funeral Service P.O. Box 885 Manchester Center, VT 05255.

Online guestbook condolences may be made at www.sheafuneralhomes.com