Thomas J. Ward Sr.

Professor Ward, I first met you as a freshman in St. John’s when I was 17 in 2002. I wanted to give back to the city after 9/11 and you encouraged me to take the police entrance exam. Throughout the years, I was glad to stay in touch and call you my friend outside the classroom. I will miss talking to you about the NYPD and baseball. I know you have inspired countless other students to serve the city and elsewhere. I was honored to call you my friend and this earth is a better place because you were in it. My best always to your family. God Bless you.

Tom, Although I lived in New Jersey and taught primarily on the Staten Island Campus, You and I, with Peter and Karim, became close friends while serving on the P and B committee many years ago. While we rarely had occasion to get together in person, you remained close to me by continually expressing your support. Over four years ago when I first received my diagnosis, you were the first to contact me to offer your prayers and assistance. As was said about another great American this past week, God speed Dear Friend and may angels sing you to your eternal home.

Tom, You were a dear friend. We met on a professional level, and over the years I was lucky enough to call you a great friend. There’s no way to express how everyone feels now that you are gone. Rest In Peace my friend. Frank

Our hearts are broken at the loss of this wonderful man. Mr. Ward was most definitely a beloved family member to us, and we will miss him terribly. Our love and prayers are with Mrs. Ward, Tom, Janet, Emma, and Tommy. Love, Matt and Kathy Sheridan

I have had the honor and privilege of calling Tom my college professor and friend over the past 40 years. Tom was well liked and respected by all of his Criminal Justice students and he made such a lasting impression during his short time that he was a faculty member at SUNY Utica/Rome that he was offered the job of Public Safely Commissioner with the City of Utica. Our friendship has been enduring. Tom has always been there to guide me through my years of public service with New York State. Tom was a very kind, caring and spiritual man who enjoyed his family and friends. So, in closing my thoughts about our years of friendship with the Ward family, I will quote the words in a plaque that was given to my wife, Debbie, and I when we met up with Tom and Pat several years ago in Garden City. “Some People Live In Our Hearts Forever”. That is how we feel about the Ward family. Rest In Peace, my good friend, until we meet again. Love, thoughts and prayers, Bob and Debbie Jackson

I have wonderful memories of working with Mr. Ward at St. John's, especially after becoming fast friends with his son Tom. Tom has become one of my best and dearest friends and I know this loss is beyond comprehension for him and his family. His Dad was one of the kindest, most gentle and loving people I had the honor to know. Always smiling, always happy and upbeat, his kindness radiated to all he came in contact with. And you just wanted to be around him because he was so warm, friendly and encouraging. Tom Jr. has most certainly taken on the very best of his Dad's traits and that is why it is my most sincere honor to call him friend. Tom, Janet, Emma, Tommy and of course Mrs. Ward, my heart and prayers go out to you during this unbearable time and I am here to help and support in any way. My life is better for knowing and spending whatever time I did with Mr. Ward and I will be forever blessed to have known him. Rest in God's eternal peace. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14: "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our dear friend. We have shared great memories with Tom and Pat for 33 years and consider them part of our family. He will surely be missed. Our love and prayers go out to his family.

I KNOW OF TOM THROUGH AMVET MEMBERS AND THANK HIM FOR HIS TIME TO OUR POST. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY. GOD BLESS!

Words cannot describe our sorrow - we are heartbroken. Out of all Tom's attributes - and there are many, the one we most admired was his loyalty. Tom's commitment to others was infallible. We shared over 40 years of fond memories - vacationing in Montauk, Shelter Island, Greenport & Rhode Island just to name a few. One of our most memorable times was the infamous Cliff Walk in Newport, RI. Tom led us over the rocky cliffs like Indiana Jones would ! Amazingly, just a few weeks ago in front of a crowd, Tom sang "Cara Mia" to his beloved wife-how appropriate.Tom you are loved by your wife and family unconditionally as we personally witnessed during the past several months. Pat, Tom, Janet, Emma and Tommy may our Lord bless and comfort you.Rest in peace Tom. Until we meet again Fin's Up !! Love, Susan & Richard Conde

Tom, over the years, you and your family have grown to be some of my closest friends, and became family to me. You taught me so much, starting in your class now 15 years ago. You’ll never be forgotten and every St. John’s game with your terrific family will include thoughts and memories of all of our great times together. It’s been more than a privilege, Tom. Rest easy my fine friend.

Tom, thank you for the privilege of sharing this journey of life with you. My thoughts and prayers are with Pat your beautiful and caring wife, your son Tom and his wife Janet and of course the beautiful grandchildren Emma and Tommy. You will continue to live in the minds and the hearts of those who loved,were loved or touched by your presence.

We could not have had better neighbors than Tom and Pat Ward. You always showed true interest in our lives, even after we had moved from Massapequa. Your help and kindness to our parents will never be forgotten. The Ward family is in my prayers.

Tom, Rest easy now my best friend, mentor and partner! The dignity,courage and strength you displayed this past year (in fact all of the 46 years I have known you) has and will always inspire me. You have certainly impacted my life. You will forever be in our hearts! Pat and Tommy (Janet, Emma and Tommy 3rd) the care, love and devotion you gave to your husband,dad,father in-law and grandfather was truly breathtaking! He loved his family! The world was a better place because of you Tom Ward,albeit a little sadder now by your loss, but your memory will be with us forever! Rose and Tom Creelman

I was a pretty young kid when Tom and Pat moved in across the street from my family on Ohio Avenue. Such wonderful neighbors and friends. I will always remember how Tom spoke to me like an adult, not a kid. Such an interesting, thoughtful and smart man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.