Donald Ward

Donald James Ward Jr, of Great Barrington MA, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2021, at the age of 89.

One of four children and father of seven, Don was born May 25, 1932, to Donald and Helen (Neuman) Ward and was raised in Bronx, NY, Stamford, CT, and Westchester, NY. Don spent many summers with his family in Hillsdale “Green River” NY before settling in Great Barrington.

Don met his wife of 63 years, Lorraine Wells at Fairview Hospital where Lorraine was a nurse and Don was working a second job as a night janitor /ambulance driver (there’s a story there). They married on January 25th, 1958 at St Peter’s Church and had seven children.

Don started Ward’s Nursery and Garden Center with his business partner and friend Matt Tomich in 1957. He turned it over to his sons in the late ’90s and now in its 64 ^th year a third generation has taken the helm.

A veteran of the Korean War, Don had many vocations throughout his life; from nurseryman to florist to sales representative for several growers across the U.S. of ornamental plants. Don loved the horticultural industry. As a sales rep. he was well known to garden center owners and growers in the northeast. Always ready to lend a hand, listen and give advice. Don was a member of the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association; the American Nursery Association and he was past president of the New England Nursery Association. Along the way, Don has also been a member of several local organizations and committees. A brief list includes The Lions Club, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee, and an active member of St. Peter’s Parish and their Finance Committee.

Don was devoted to his faith and family above all else. He loved to run and was an active member of a local running club. He enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and school events. He was always an entrepreneur starting many different businesses and projects. He continually stressed the importance of a good education. Don worked around the clock but somehow, he still found time to run marathons, or later in his life play golf with his Sunday morning friends. Don encouraged his kids and grandkids to work hard, play enthusiastically, and above all be generous and compassionate.

Don is survived by his wife Lorraine (Wells), sons Donald III (Claire), Gregory (Christine), Michael (Bridget), and Tim; daughters Maureen Barnaba (Anthony), Eileen Ward Fauci (Anthony), and Colleen Souza (Steven); grandchildren Lance Ward, Hannah Ward, Sam Fenell-Ward (Meri), Nicole Marques (Ryan), Eva Ward, Justin Ward, Ryan Ward, India Ward, Ciana Barnaba, Lydia Barnaba, Rosa Barnaba, Alyssa Souza, Maura Souza, Keira Souza, Olivia Ward, Isabella Fauci; great-grandchild Archie Marques. He is also survived by sisters Mary Alice Welch and Dolores Viebrock.

Don was predeceased by his parents and brother Joseph Ward.

SERVICES – The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 10 ^th at 11:00am at St. Peter’s Church, 213 Main St., Great Barrington, celebrated by Rev. William P. Murphy, the pastor.

There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St.Peter’s Parish directly or through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.  To send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com

The family wishes to thank the many caregivers at Geer Assisted Living who tended to Don’s needs with such kindness and grace.