Frederick G. "Fred" Ward Sr.

June 4, 1943 - December 7, 2017

Frederick G. “Fred” Ward Sr., 74, of New Sewickley Twp., passed away Thursday, December 7, 2017, at UPMC Passavant Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born June 4, 1943, in New Sewickley Twp., a son of the late Floyd M. Sr. and Olive Jean Johnson Ward, he was a retired pipefitter with Local 47. He attended St. John Evangelical United Protestant Burry’s Church and was also a member of the First Baptist Church, Rochester. A lifetime member of the Freedom Little Bulldogs, he was a former member of the Freedom Quarterback Club; a former member of the Freedom Area School Board, having served over 20 years, and a member of Big Knob Antique Tractor Club and the Fish & Rod Club. He was the first president and member of the Freedom Youth Wrestling, and also coached Freedom football for many years. Fred was a member of the NRA and enjoyed farming. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda L. (Harley) Ward, in 2005; a daughter, Nicole Ward; a son, Charles B. Ward, and a daughter-in-law, Rachel Ward. Surviving are four sons and daughters-in-law, Fred G. Ward Jr., La Porte, Colo.; Donald M. and Darla Ward, R.J. Ward, and Sam and Jessica Ward, all of New Sewickley Twp., and Erin Ward, Patterson Twp.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Tammie L. and Kevin Merriman, Economy; Kim A. Ralston and Bob Belsterling, Rochester Twp., and Jennie L. and Brian Henley, New Sewickley Twp.; 26 grandchildren, Chrissy, Jeremy, Shannon, Adam, Kelsie, Jesse, Kali, Nikki, Brandi, Don Jr., Lane, Daisy, Dean, Z.J., Colton, Logan, Ella, Evan, Emma, Easton, Tanner, Kody, Chase, Jason, Shyann and Kendal; three great-grandchildren, Ace, Jaxen and Stella; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Patricia Freshkorn, Diane and Brian Furman, and Janet and David Roth; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Floyd M. Ward Jr., and Lloyd D. and Helen Ward, and a close nephew, Christopher Harley, all of New Sewickley Twp.; a close friend, Thomas Ralston, and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. in WILLIAM MURPHY FUNERAL HOME INC., 349 Adams St., Rochester, and Monday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. in St. John Burry’s Church, New Sewickley Twp. The Rev. Win Groseclose will officiate. Interment will follow in Burry’s Church Cemetery.