Dr. Richard D. Ward

Funeral services for Dr. Richard D. Ward Jr. OD, age 79 of Franklin Street in Ogdensburg will be held on Monday (September 12, 2011) at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Rev. F. James Shurtleff officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 12:00noon until 4:00pm at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home. Dr. Ward died Thursday morning at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Surviving are his three sons Richard Ward III & his fiancée Cheryl Brassard of Ogdensburg, Patrick J. Ward & Paul R. Ward both of Ogdensburg; two daughters Catherine Hamblin of Avon, NY & Teresa A. Ward & her companion Jamie Hazelton of Ogdensburg; a sister Shirley Giordano of Atlanta, GA; three grandchildren Richard Ward IV, Maxx & Connor Hamblin and three nieces Shirley Ann, Susan & Helen.

His wife Marion predeceased him in 2007.

Dr. Ward was born on July 21, 1932 in Batavia, NY a son of the late Richard & Helen (Kaufman) Ward. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Buffalo and then continued his education at the Chicago School of Optometry, where he received his Doctorate. He then married Marion (Wendland) on August 4, 1956 at the St. Constance Church in Illinois. He was drafted in 1957 to the US Army until 1959 when he received his honorable discharge. In 1964 the couple moved to Ogdensburg where he owned and operated the Richard D. Ward Optometry office for 45 years. He retired in 2005. He was a former commander of the Power Squadron, a Jr. Chamber of Commerce Member and a longtime member of the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs.

He was an avid clock collector and enjoyed sailing, fishing, and spending time at his camp on the St. Lawrence River. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the SPCA or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.