Lawrence A. "Larry" Ward Jr.

WARD---Lawrence A. “Larry” Jr., 75, passed away September 30, 2022 with his loving wife at his side. Born September 8, 1947 in Hazleton, PA, Larry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy; his daughter, Jenna Brennan (Ed), Wayne, PA; son, Larry (Julissa) and beloved grandchildren, Luke and Lily, Seattle, WA. Also survived by Sister, Gloria Holly (Al) Fair Oaks, CA.; sister-in-law, Karen Martinkovic, North Wales, PA; nephew and Tony Holly (Lorraine), Fair Oaks, CA. Larry earned a Bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University (1969) and an MBA from Shippensburg University (1972). He began his career with Bethlehem Steel as a “Looper” in the Management Development Program. He held management positions at various Bethlehem Steel Plants in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In 1980, the family relocated to Johnstown, PA where Larry worked as CFO of Beth Energy Mines and several other Bethlehem subsidiaries. On his retirement from Bethlehem, he became CFO of Johnstown Specialty Castings. Larry was active in youth athletics and coached teams at Arbutus Little League and St. Benedict’s Boys Soccer as well as assisted with Bishop McCort Girls Soccer. Larry had a great love for Notre Dame Football and Villanova Basketball. He volunteered as an Usher for seven years during football season at Notre Dame Stadium. He served on the Board of Directors for the Notre Dame Club of Central PA and volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen. Active in Habitat for Humanity, he received their 1998 Volunteer of the Year Award. Civically, he was a member of Geistown Borough Council for more than 12 years and was instrumental in procuring the traffic light at Oakridge Drive, Bedford Street and Leventry Road and other community improvements. Larry and Nancy enjoyed traveling, especially their trips to Italy, Ireland, a Viking Grand European Tour, and family trips with their children and grandchildren. Larry was an innovator, initiator, trailblazer, and all-around great guy. He was a “force of nature,” loved with his whole being, and gave and shared with all his heart. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Thomas Ellenberger, his office manager, Chris; the staff at Phoenix Physical Therapy; and all the wonderful staff at The Villa Crest Horizons and Grane Hospice. There will be a private Funeral Mass for the family at Church of the Visitation of the BVM, Johnstown, with Fr. John Slovikovski officiating. The family is being served by Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Larry’s family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.