Neighbor News
In Memoriam, long time Oak Lawn resident Bernard A. Ward, 1933-2023
Ward, 89, lived in Oak Lawn from 1973 to 2015, and was an active senior card player until 2021.
IN MEMORIAM, BERNARD A. WARD, 1933-2023
Bernard A. Ward, 89, passed away peacefully at his home on March 18, 2023 with family members at his side. Loving father of Bernard (Cecilia), Ronald, Steven, Kenneth (Michelle) and Gary (Aitor); Cherished grandfather of Benjamin (Mary Kate), Melissa (Joseph), Timothy, Christina (Gordon), Andrew (Jennifer) and Abigail; Fond great grandfather of Brandon, Emily, Ian, Nora, Phillip, Lincoln and Lily. Bernie was predeceased by his former wife, Norene (nee Fritz) and his parents, the late James, Sr. and the late Helen (nee Drexel); Dear brother of the late James, Jr. (the late Joan), John (Louise), the late Thomas (Sally), the late Neil (Margaret) and Susie Brown (Gerald). Son in law of the late Charles Fritz and the late Eleanor Fritz. Brother in law to the late Charles Fritz, Jean Siemek (the late Daniel), the late Arlene, the late Patricia (the late Edward), Margaret Maliska (the late Ron), Patrick Fritz (Dianne), the late Rita See, the late Mary Lou and Nancy Carey (Bud). Kind uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Bernie is also survived by his former wife Betty Ward, and her children Michele Rubino-Minick (Steve), Theresa Rubino Pelke (Steve) and Rocky Rubino (Jane). Bernie is grateful to Dr. Daniel Co and his staff and his former care givers Nestor Santos, Reynald Santos, Michelle Condra and Dave Haligarda, all of whose care not only helped extend his life, but also helped improve his quality of life. Bernie also extends special thanks to his cousin Margie Point Bernard and her husband Jim, his dear friends Johnny and Carmel McGuire, his niece Vicki Kleinick and her husband Robert, and Mary Ellen Cassidy, who all showed him extra kindness and concern over the last years of his life.
Bernie graduated from St. Raphael grade school and was a proud graduate of De La Salle High School in Chicago, as were his four brothers.
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Bernie was a proud member of Plumbers’ Local 130 and an employee of the Chicago Park District for 35 years. He enjoyed socializing with family and friends, watching sports, playing cards and helping people resolve plumbing issues. He was a life long White Sox fan and was honored to throw out the first pitch at a White Sox game in September, 2019.
Visitation for Bernard A. Ward is April 29th, 2023, 9:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. at St. Germaine's Catholic Church, 9737 S. Kolin Ave., Oak Lawn, IL, with the funeral at 11 A.M., followed by a funeral luncheon at Fox's Restaurant and Pub, 9240 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, immediately thereafter. Please RSVP ASAP, but no later than April 27, 2023, with Bernard D. Ward or Gary Ward if you plan to attend the luncheon.
