Henry C. Ward Jr.

Spencer/Rutland/Palmetto, FLA – Henry C. Ward, Jr., 84, died peacefully at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Barbara B. (Baker) and Henry C. Ward, Sr. and was raised in Rutland.

Henry will be lovingly missed and remembered by his sons, George Ward of Georgia and Joseph Ward of Spencer; his daughter, Lisa Gustafson and her husband, David of Sturbridge; his brother, Wayne Ward and his wife, Beverly of Cherry Valley; his sisters, Donna Kowszik of Spencer, Beverly Ward of Spencer and Cheryl Ward and her husband, Stephen McNally of Worcester; several grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Henry was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Dolan and his grandson, Joshua Gustafson.

Henry proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Otterstetter. He later worked as a technician in the installation of oil burners for several local home heating companies including Claflin-Donahue Co. and Pioneer Oil Co. After his retirement Henry lived in Palmetto, Florida where he was active in the American Legion, the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and the Pelican Relief effort. He was also a member of the First Congregational Church of Spencer.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a calling hour from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Burial will be private. Please omit flowers. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Congregational Church of Spencer, 207 Main Street, Spencer, MA 01562.

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