Richard C. Ward
Hadlyme — Richard C. “Rick” Ward, 77, passed away peacefully at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital Feb. 25, 2021. He was born in Michigan in 1943. Born into a military family, his childhood years consisted of traveling to many countries, Ireland and Morocco, to name a few. They also traveled much of the United States before settling in Old Lyme when Rick was in the fourth grade.
He graduated from Lyme-Old Lyme High School in 1962. In 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for four years. He was a Vietnam Era Veteran, during which time he visited 29 different countries. Rick had been married for 54 years to his best friend, Linda. They have three wonderful sons and nine beautiful grandchildren. He was a devoted father and grandfather.
Rick was a great chef, whether on the grill or the stove. His famous clam chowder was a family favorite. His pastimes included boating and fishing on the Long Island Sound as well as camping and getting together with his family. He enjoyed coaching multiple sports in the Lyme versus Old Lyme Era. He coached two of his Little League baseball teams to championships. He was often seen arriving to practices and games with the back of his truck full of kids ready to play ball. Hallmark was a frequent stop for an ice cream to treat his players after a win. If he was not on the field coaching, he was watching his children or grandchildren participate in sports.
Rick worked at Uarco for 30-plus years as a pressman, mostly on the third shift. He also had his own landscaping business in Lyme. His dedication to supporting his family by working multiple jobs helped to instill a strong work ethic in his sons. Many times, he was referred to as “the nicest man in Hadlyme” for his caring personality and sincerity. Rick was known for his sense of humor and was quite the chatterbox to many locals. He could talk up a storm with pretty much anyone, young or old. He always looked forward to getting together with his friends for their monthly steak dinners. He was loved by many in the community and was always willing to lend a hand or a tool, many labeled with “RCW not Ray” to ensure his oldest son would return his belongings. To his grandchildren, extended family, and friends, he was referred to as “Pa.” He was always a softie when it came to his grandchildren. Rick was known for his love of beagles, and his family knows he is now surrounded by his past beagles with some treats in his pockets for them.
His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving wife, Linda Ward; his son Raymond and wife Bobbi-Anne, their children, Samantha and husband Glen Piette, Raymond Jr., and Quentin Suplita; his son Jeffrey and wife Christine, and their children, Dylan, Brayden and Jake; his son Christian and wife Diana, and their children, James, Jenna and Lia; his stepmother, Eloise Ward; his brother Bruce Ward and wife Thelma; his brother Cliff Ward; his sister-in-law Betsy McManus; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved beagle, Charlie. Rick was predeceased by his mother, Katherine Van Riper Ward; his father, Charles Ward; his sister, Dorothy Rogers and husband Will Rogers; and his brother Jerome Ward.
Rick is thankful for the care he received from the DaVita Dialysis Center in Middletown and the Lyme Ambulance Association.
Calling hours will be held from 4 until 6 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2021, in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme. A private interment in Cove Cemetery will be at a later date. Please visit www. fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, directions and to sign the online guest book. At calling hours guests will be asked to abide by all COVID-19 protocols.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Lyme Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 911, Hadlyme, CT 06439 or the Lyme Fire Company, 213 Hamburg Road, Lyme, CT 06371.