Worcester- John E. Ward, 96, formerly of 72 Esther St., passed away Sunday, July 1 at the Overlook Masonic Healthcare Center in Charlton.

His wife of 68 years, Ingrid S. (Anderson) ward passed away in 2009. He leaves one son, John E. Ward, Jr. of Kingman, AZ; one daughter, Joyce E. McAfee of Spencer; two grandchildren, Wendy Casker and her husband, Kevin and Trina Lachance and her husband, Dan; three great grandchildren, Ian, Jocelyn and Daniel, several nieces and nephews; among them three special nieces, Marilyn Eurenius, Karen Eurenius and Kathy Adams. Three sisters, Ethel M. Sandquist, Mabel M. Lambert and Ruth M. Lorion predeceased him. He was born June 6, 1916 in Worcester, son of John C. and Jennie P. (Olsen) Ward and graduated from North High School. He served in the Navy CBs during WWII and saw action in the Aleutian Islands.

John was a superintendent at the former American Steel and Wire a Division of US Steel. He was a member of the former United Congregational Church, a 32nd degree Mason, Nordic Lodge #611 Vasa Order of America, a 75 year member of the Montacute Lodge AF & AM, active in the Aletheia Grotto of Worcester, the Greendale Retired Men’s Club, and the US Steel Retirees Social Club. John as an avid hunter and fisherman, he also had his private pilots license.

A Visiting Hour will be Thursday, July 5 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at LINDQUIST LUNDIN FUNERAL HOME, 36 Butler St. with a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery. For directions and online condolences please visit www.lindquistlundin.com.