Michael Paul Ward

Mike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor. He was a humble, determined, and inspiring individual known for devotion to his faith and family. Mike was also known for his strong, genuine, and friendly character.

Born on April 28, 1938, in West Hartford, CT, Mike grew up in Westport, CT, and Tully, NY. He attended The University of Notre Dame where he was a member of the renowned Notre Dame Glee Club. Mike earned a BA in the College of Arts and Letters, cum laude, in 1960 and a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1961. He went on to enjoy a successful 50+ year career as a chemical engineer.

Throughout his life, Mike found joy in contributing both personally and professionally to the numerous communities in which he resided, including Westchester County, NY; Northern and Central New Jersey; Parkersburg, WV; Charlotte, NC; Dallas, TX; and Raleigh, NC. He played a key role in engineering production for the drug Metformin (for which he was prescribed later in his life to treat his diabetes). He was an elected member of the Somerset, NJ School Board and he shared his faith as a longtime cantor at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC.

Mike loved working in his yard and watching sports, but he will be most remembered for his warm heart, his kind spirit, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Pat Ward, and his five children and their spouses: Tom Ward of Plano, TX; Major Michael (Angela) Ward of Prosper, TX; Colonel Jim (Cameron) Ward of Springfield, VA; Mary Neville (Dwight) Kempf of Charlotte, NC; and Maureen (J.C.) Moore of Frisco, TX. He was also devoted to his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

His family wishes to thank the countless friends and caregivers for their support and generosity these past four years. The power of their love sustained us through the many ups and downs we endured.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church in Cary, NC, on June 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Charlotte, NC, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to a charity of your choice.