Obituary: Thomas Ward, 70, Of Milford

Information via Cody-White Funeral Home

MILFORD, CT —It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Thomas ("Tom") Ward, 70, of Milford, Connecticut beloved husband of Pamela (Slavin) Ward. Tom passed away on December 14, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 22, 1953, in the Bronx, New York, he was the son of the late John and Gloria (Lyons) Ward. Tom was a member of a large, vibrant family, as one of nine Ward siblings who found his lifelong home in Milford.

A graduate of Jonathan Law High School, he carried his passion for baseball from his youth into his college years at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma, where he played alongside his oldest brother, John while earning a degree in physical education. Upon graduation, Tom returned to Connecticut and received his certification in industrial arts from CCSU followed by a 6th year in education from SCSU.

Tom's commitment to education and youth shone through his 32-year career as a dedicated middle school teacher in Stamford, CT. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, impacting generations of students with his wisdom and kindness.

Marriage to his beloved wife, Pam, marked the beginning of a beautiful journey of 40 years, filled with love, adventure, and shared dreams. Together, they traveled the world, from the pink sands of Bermuda to the rugged beauty of Ireland, the golf courses of Pebble Beach and Scottsdale, and the captivating sights of Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

As a father, Tom's greatest pride and joy were his sons, Kevin (35) and Brian (32). He instilled in them the values of family and the joy of shared experiences. The family's annual vacations to places like Yellowstone, Disney, Toronto, Williamsburg, and Cape Cod were cherished memories, with Tom always ensuring that a set of golf clubs was part of the journey.

Tom's passion for sports was a significant aspect of his life, especially in supporting his sons' athletic pursuits. He spent countless hours on the sidelines of Race Brook and Grassy Hill Country Clubs, watching Kevin master the game of golf. Tom's pride was unmistakable as he observed Kevin's precision and skill on the golf course, culminating in their triumphant win at the Grassy Hill Country Club member-member tournament, a cherished memory that Tom often recounted with great fondness.

Similarly, Tom's dedication to Brian's baseball career was unwavering. From the early days at the Milford International League, where Tom coached with enthusiasm and pride, to watching Brian pitch for Foran High School, UCONN, and the Cape Cod Baseball League, Tom was a constant figure in the stands. His presence at Brian's games, following every pitch, celebrating each victory, and being there for any defeat, were a testament to his unconditional support and love.

Tom's love for sports extended to being an avid fan of the Red Sox and Patriots, sharing the thrill of every Patriots Super Bowl with his sons by his side.

In recent years, Tom found a second family at The Orchards Golf Course, where he combined his love for the game with the camaraderie of friends and co-workers. He adored his time there and never missed an opportunity to fit in a round.

Tom was so happy to see his sons meet their life partners and be married in the recent years. He adored Brian?s wife, Sarah, and Kevin?s wife, Caitlin. Often telling friends and family how happy they both made him. Tom was also so grateful to be a grandfather to Kevin and Caitlin?s children, Nora Kelly and Charles Thomas. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them and noted that seeing the kids this past Thanksgiving made it one of the best days of his life.

Despite the joy and fulfillment in his life, Tom's life was also a remarkable story of courage and perseverance. For nearly 30 years, he bravely battled a rare form of kidney cancer. His family is forever grateful to Dr. Richard Childs and the team at the National Institutes of Health for their exceptional care, which gave them precious additional years with Tom. His resilience in the face of adversity, unwavering faith, and trust in modern medicine were sources of inspiration to all. The family would also like to extend its deepest appreciation for the additional doctors, advanced practice providers, nurses and other staff who cared for Tom over the years. A very special thank you to the medical ICU staff at Yale New Haven Hospital for their compassionate attention during Tom?s most recent hospitalizations.

Tom Ward's legacy is one of unyielding love, strength, and a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. His memory will be forever cherished by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

In addition to his adoring wife, children and grandchildren, Tom also leaves behind his beloved siblings and cherished in-laws, Janet Wislocki (Robert), John Ward (Royal), James Ward (Linda), Donald Ward (Rene), Michael Ward (Lisa), Gloria Mason (Robert), MaryBeth Manzi (Mark), Sally Giuca and many loved nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his parents John and Gloria (Lyons) Ward, and his sister Loretta Ward.

Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. A prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a small random act of kindness in your community in memory Tom?s compassionate spirit during the holiday season.