He was born in Staten Island, N.Y. on August 14, 1925. Along with Laine, his wife of 67 years he raised his family in Staten Island, N.Y. and Ossining, N.Y. before retiring to Cape Coral, FL in 1987. He was a loving, faithful husband, father and grandfather who worked hard, and enjoyed life. He enjoyed boating, golfing, traveling, and his family.
He graduated New York State Maritime Academy in 1945 in the first accelerated class as marine engineer. He served as a Merchant Marine and was later commissioned as an officer in the United States Naval Reserves where he served for 26 years and retired as a Commander. He worked as a Stationery Engineer for the N.Y.C. Board of Education. He served all of his life as a Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, and Deacon at New Dorp Baptist Church, Tarrytown Baptist Church and Frist Baptist Church of Cape Coral. After retiring he taught Navigation and Boating classes for the Fleet Reserve Club in Cape Coral, FL.
Art was preceded in death by his wife Laine and is survived by 4 children, Arthur Ward of Apollo Beach, FL, Barbara Chrapowitzky of Delmar, NY, Jonathan Ward of Vero Beach, FL, and Jennifer Lawing of Crofton, MD. He has 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Art is also survived by his loving wife Shirley A. Ward of Cape Coral. Art and Shirley enjoyed traveling and being together. She faithfully cared for him to the end.
A memorial service is scheduled for February 1, 2020 with a gathering at 11am followed by a memorial service and interment at 12pm. A reception will be held immediately following.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to:
Hope Hospice Development Office, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33980
https://www.hopehcs.org/donate/
