Frank Ward, a happy-go-lucky Irishman, died on May 5, 2023, a few weeks before his 74th birthday. He had survived both skin and bladder cancer but succumbed to a heart attack.
He was born May 30, 1949, the son of Mary Claire and John Ward, in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland, where he lived until he was nine. For the next nine years, he lived in Edinburgh, Scotland. At the age of 18, he emigrated to the United States.
In 1970, he married Kristine Rabe. For forty-eight years, they lived in Rye, New York, where they raised their children.
Mr. Ward worked extremely hard as a carpenter until retiring, after a heart attack, in 2006. A decade later, he and his wife moved to Pompano Beach, Fla., to live on the beach.
He loved an easy crossword or Sudoko puzzle on his deck, while watching the waves. He loved boating, but mostly anchored in the Rye harbor, as he was not a fan of being in the waves. He loved his red wine — the warmer the better. He enjoyed reading a good detective novel, watching any “Law and Order” on the “telly” and YouTube machinery videos. He especially loved his two grandchildren and spoiled them with treats from the “toy shop” on every visit.
In addition to his wife of nearly 53 years, Kristine Ward, he is survived by his children, Jennifer Milling and her husband John, and Brian Ward; and his grandchildren, Teddy and Hayes Milling, all of San Rafael, Calif. He also leaves behind his four sisters: Clare Rundell (David) of England, Ann Ward (Barb Martin) of Frankfort, Me., Carol Ward of Edinburgh, and Kate Ward of Pelham, N.Y.; and his four brothers: Martin Ward of Burlington, Vt., John Ward (Nanna) of Barrit, Denmark, Kieran Ward of Lake Worth, Fla., and Brain Ward of Lantana, Fla. He was predeceased by three of his brothers, Edward, Thomas, and Brendan, as well as his niece, Seance Ward.
At his request, no funeral or service was held.