Paul Andre Ward

Paul Andre Ward left us unexpectedly from a fall on January 14, 2026, at the age of 63. Paul was born in Groton, CT but grew up in Kenner attending Bonnabel High School and UNO, but he was a long-term resident of New Orleans and the French Quarter.

Tragically gone to soon Paul enjoyed family, friends, traveling and his passion as an antiques dealer in the French Quarter. Having grown up in a family of dealers who began their careers in the New Orleans Flea Market, Paul with his sisters and brother would be tied to the hip of their mother each weekend at the market and estate sales around the city. Paul had a passion for doll collecting along with his mother, both members of the UFDC and locally with Les Poupee D'Orleans. Carnival Season was a special time for Paul who loved parades, festivities and Mardi Gras costuming. Enjoying the annual walks with the Pete Fountain Half Fast Walking Club.

In the early 80’s Paul opened Melrose antiques on Magazine St. which started his dream career towards this marvelous adventure. Paul would go on to relocate to the French Quarter to open Collectible Antiques that has been a fixture on Lower Decatur for more than 25 years. Paul’s beautiful smile, friendly welcome and knowledge (we can’t know everything) endeared him to locals, national and international customers, who would return again and again to see what treasures could be discovered in his unique shop. Most ending up as great friends. Eclectic and unique, Paul’s shop reminded people of their grandma’s house or an attic frozen in time!

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Clarence Eugine and Dolores Welker Ward; sister in law Jeanine Ward. Survived by his husband, Jeffery Fountain, a brother Peter M. Ward of Kenner, sisters Christine A Ward Armstrong (Jerry Armstrong) of Arkansas, Susan K Ward Bond (Tammey Bond) of Moss Point, MS, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Paul’s life to be held at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with visitation beginning at 11:00AM and service at 1:00PM. Interment will follow with a Second Line to the family tomb.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Project Lazarus in Paul's honor preferred.