Edward George Ward

Edward George Ward, age 93, of Bel Air, MD passed away on October 25, 2020 at Brightview Assisted Living Bel Air. Born in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late George Ambrose and Marie Catherine (Jaecksch) Ward. He was an active member of St. Margaret Catholic Church since 1958 when he moved to Bel Air. He loved his faith and his family.

Preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia Mary (McKenna) Ward and his brothers, Francis X., Paul and Joseph Ward, and his sister Mary Theresa Collison.

Survived by his son William P. Ward and his wife, Linda and daughter Patricia M. Kapelanczyk and her husband Mark; four grandchildren, Matthew and Patrick Kapelanczyk, Michael Ward and Jill Huber; six great-grandchildren, Daniel, Michael and Jack Huber, Evelyn and Mason Kapelanczyk and Violet Ward. He is also survived by his sister Catherine Cosgrove and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed served in the US Army during WWII right after graduating from Calvert Hall High School. He was stationed in Italy as an MP and visited there again many years later after retirement. After serving his country, he attended and graduated with a degree in Journalism from Loyola College in Baltimore. He worked for Crown, Cork & Seal in accounting then transferred into its sales division. He also worked for over 30 years at MetroPak Containers/ Kraft Foods / Ball Glass as a district sales manager serving the mid-Atlantic Region. His final and favorite job was Executive Director for the Harford County Chamber of Commerce. He served in that capacity for over 13 years and enjoyed promoting businesses in his beloved Harford County. His favorite slogan was “Harford Has It!” He formed many long and lasting friendships with local business owners and their employees. He helped increase the membership of the Chamber from 160 to 1400 members. He guided the purchase and expansion of the current Chamber office on Bond St. in Bel Air. At his retirement in 1995 it was said he would be remembered for his charm, warmth, humility, leadership, fairness, sense of humor, his ever-present smile and his corny jokes. Ed Ward and Harford County Chamber of Commerce were synonymous at the time.

Besides his strong work ethic, Ed volunteered and participated in many church, civic and community organizations sitting on 19 different county boards. Ed was an avid sports enthusiast. His favorite was tennis. He played in high school, college, tournaments and weekly with friends till the age of 87 passing on the love of the game to his children. Ed was a big fan of the Baltimore Orioles, Colts and later the Ravens. He became a painter late in life with landscapes being his favorite subjects. He enjoyed traveling and painted many of the places he visited. His life motto was “Pray, hope and don’t worry”, a famous quote from St. Padre Pio.

Those who desire may send contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Margaret Catholic Church, 141 Hickory Ave., Bel Air, MD 21014.