Joseph Aloysius Ward

Joseph attended the original Holy Saviour Elementary School and graduated from St. James Catholic High School in 1945. Prior to graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He graduated high school on June 4, celebrated a dichotomous birthday on the 6th (also the anniversary of his father’s death), and reported for service at Bainbridge, Maryland, on the 8th. The war ended, and he was discharged August 7, 1946.

Upon returning home, he immediately enrolled in Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia. He rode the train each day from Marcus Hook to Philadelphia. He served a two-year apprenticeship at the Francis L. Ward Funeral Home, passing his state board exam in 1951. During this time, he married his sweetheart, Eileen R. Smith, on October 2, 1948.

In addition to working with his mother at the funeral home, it was necessary for him to hold full-time and part-time jobs. While working at Sun Oil, his first son was born February 6, 1950. He had taken off work to take Eileen to the hospital. Another dichotomous event occurred; there was a tank explosion at Sun Oil, and the crew Joe worked with all lost their lives. His son’s birth had saved his.