Obituary of Paul J. Ward

Paul J. Ward died October 9 at the age of 86 years. He lived in the Nichols section of Trumbull, CT with wife Barbara for 40 years.

Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Paul was the middle of three children of Thomas B. Ward and Mary (Dunn) Ward. He attended Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, graduating in 1945, then went on to St. Joseph's Preparatory School and later graduated from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia.

He took an active role in college extracurricular activities, such as being a member of the Cap and Bells Theatrical Society, the University's theater company.

Paul served in the United States Army, and was stationed in Orleans, France.

Paul and Barbara married in 1959 and they spent the next 59 years enjoying the love and friendship of one another, their family and their friends.

Paul's career began in advertising working for two major advertising agencies before pursuing a career in newspapers. He joined the Philadelphia Daily News as an advertising sales executive. A strong pathway of promotion and professional development saw his expertise grow to encompass marketing and commercial management responsibilities as National Advertising Manager. In 1978, Paul and Barbara moved the family to Connecticut where Paul was recruited to the position of Director of Marketing and Advertising at the Bridgeport Post, later to become the Connecticut Post Newspaper.

Paul was a member of the Bridgeport Rotary Club for many years and in retirement enjoyed painting and taking classes at Housatonic Community College.

Paul's love for learning, gentle nature, strong work ethic, wit and wry sense of humor, and unswerving loyalty to family, friends and colleagues made him a pillar or strength for all who knew him.

Paul's commitment to our Catholic Faith, family, and friends, and his reputation as a consummate gentleman in every corner of his personal and professional life, define a man who we will miss every day.

He is preceded in death by his sisters Joan F. Pitcher and Barbara Ann Ward, as well as his beloved daughter Maryclaire Ward Paullis, who departed from us in December of 2015, just prior to her 49th birthday.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, he is survived by two sons: P. Jason Ward and his fiancée, Janet Brown both of Westport CT, and Matthew C. Ward and his wife Kristin of Holliston, MA. He is also survived by his son-in-law Kevin "Jay" Paullis of Newton, NH, eleven grandchildren, several nieces and a nephew.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, October 13 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home in Trumbull, CT. This will be followed by an 11:00 am Mass of Christian burial at St. Lawrence Parish in Huntington, CT. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.