Vernon Mourning The Loss Of Former Town Administrator John Ward

VERNON/GRANBY, CT — John Ward, the current Granby town administrator who also held the same position in his hometown of Vernon, died Wednesday night after a long battle with cancer, officials from both towns said.

Ward died at his home with his family by his side. He was 59.

"John leaves behind a legacy of public service, not only to our community, but to the town of Granby," Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said Thursday morning. "Beyond his public service, he was a great friend, father and community member."

Ward served as Vernon's town administrator from 2008 to 2017, when he took the position in Granby.

"John made incredible contribulations to the betterment of our town," Granby First Selectman Scott Kuhnly said. "He was a valued leader, colleague and friend to us all."

Kuhnly praised Ward for is dedication over the past 12 months, when municipalities struggled with an ever-changing climate during the coronavirus pandemic.

"His commitment to the town and its employees was extraordinary, especially during the challenges of the past year," Kuhnly said. "We offer our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. John will be deeply missed."

Before becoming the town administrator in Vernon, Ward served on the Vernon Town Council and Board of Education. He was a practicing lawyer from 1992 to 2008 at a number of firms and his specialties included labor relations and worker's compensation law.

Some of Ward's accomplishments in Vernon include overseeing the renovation of old mills for reuse, securing a new senior center, along with many grants and municipal bonds for capital improvement and merging municipal and Board of Education IT Departments.

Ward also was at the helm during the "Snowtober" blizzard in 2011. Vernon was one of the hardest towns hit and Ward took an aggressive but personal approach to assist residents who were out of power for nearly two weeks.

On a personal level, Ward was a dedicated booster to the Rockville High School Marching Ram Band.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of John Ward," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. “John was a dedicated and trustworthy public servant who devoted countless hours to the success of our town. We are grateful for his many contributions to our community. John's bright mind, selfless manner and sense of humor were one of a kind, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time."

As outlined in the Granby Charter, Kuhnly will take over as the interim town administrator.