RIP Art Ward
by Ron Poness on 07/08/22
From Mick
The Wake for Marine Arthur J. Ward was held at O'Brien Funeral home on 7/5/22. At 1830, the viewing line was out the door. Once inside, the line snaked through a couple of large rooms. At the casket, the American Legion and the local Police each provided one Uniform to stand at attention at each end of the casket. Patricia was as gracious as ever, and greeted each mourner with kindness, respect and warmth. Her three children with their spouses were next to her. Then came the grandchildren. Patricia, her children, their spouses and grandchildren must have stood in that receiving line for hours and hours. Yet each stood proud and happy to exchange pleasantries about Art and gracious as each mourner offered condolences.
The Funeral Mass at St. Gregory's on 7/6/22 at 1115 nearly filled the huge parking lot to capacity. The weather was kind to all of us. The church was large enough to handle the multitudes of mourners.
One photo below shows an Honor Guard consisting of local police, dignitaries and representatives of various Veterans Organizations near the conclusion of Mass on the Church steps.
The other photo shows Art's grandchildren, pall bearers, just after Art's Flag Draped coffin was placed into the hearse for Art's trip to the cemetery.
David Quick of American Legion Post 20 provided Legion Riders for a motorcycle escort for the hearse from the Funeral Home to the Church than onto the cemetery. The local Police turned out in force to provide escorting motorcycles and cars. The also controlled each intersection so that the Motorized Funeral Procession could safely proceed.
Thanks for your life of service Art. Including your term as President, USMC 2/3 V.V.A. You are missed by many. Rest in Peace, Marine. Semper Fidelis
SF Poness
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