Marblehead……..

John A. Ward, age 79 of Marblehead, died Wednesday morning in Salem Hospital following a brief illness.

Born and raised in Bryn Mawr, PA the son of the late Albert and Mabel (Massie) Ward, he graduated from Haverford School '47. He graduated from Williams College in '51 and received his Master's degree in electrical engineering from Princeton University in '55 where he was also awarded the Phi Beta Kappa distinction.

Mr. Ward served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1969 achieving the rank of Lt. Commander. His navy career included service as a navigator on the Cruiser USS Albany as well as sailing coach at both the United States Naval Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Mr. Ward summered as a boy on Eastern Point in Gloucester and after his navy career he settled in Marblehead where he established Eclipse Co. with longtime friend and business partner Ken Anderson.


An avid sailor and longtime member of the New York Yacht Club, he enjoyed ocean racing aboard his boat "Nepenthe", participating in many offshore races including the Marblehead to Halifax race and the Boston to Bermuda race. Over the years he took great pleasure caring for his Siamese cats.

Mr. Ward is survived by two sons Edilbert Ward and Christopher Ward both of Marblehead.

A gathering of relatives and friends will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2008 from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North ST) Salem. Interment will be in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala-Cynwyd, PA. on Saturday, October 25th at 1:00 P.M. For online guest book or additional information please contact the Murphy Funeral Home, 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.