Philip W. Ward

Ward, Philip W.

April 23, 1935 - April 4, 2020

Beloved husband of Mary Louise (McCosby) for 55 years. Cherished Father of Stephanie (Ken) Szekely of North Huntingdon, PA, Sean (Nancy Istenes) Ward of Hudson, OH, Megan Ward of Pittsburgh and Gregory (Molly) Ward of Rocky River, OH. Hilarious Pappap to: Ryan (Emma), Kevin & Katherine Ward, Delaney, Kennedy, Lyndsey & Nicholas Szekely and Jackson, Grace & Henry Ward. Predeceased by his parents William and Anna Mae. Dedicated brother to Paul (Evelyn) Ward and Anna Marie (Harry) Bochter. Special Pappap to his grand-dogs, and beloved uncle, cousin, friend and neighbor to many.

A proud U.S. Navy Veteran, Phil served for four years including during the Korean War after graduation from Clairton High School. While aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bennington, Phil became a Horned Shellback, having sailed from the U.S. to Korea via the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, traveling around Cape Horn. Upon return to civilian life, he attended Duquesne University, attaining a degree in Pharmacy in 1962. While working at South Side Hospital, he met Mary Louise McCosby, RN, and the two would go on to settle in Bethel Park and share over 55 years of marriage.

Phil was active in his church and community, serving as a football coach and referee, PTA President, marching band chaperone/equipment truck driver, a blood donor who gave over 150 pints, and many other roles. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 760, as well as member for decades of the VFW, the Jugo-Slav Club and The Elks. Many a Sunday were spent in Section 249 at Three Rivers Stadium watching the Steelers and teaching his children his love of football. Phil was always good for a funny quote and was known for his placid demeanor that earned him the nickname of “Baby Whisperer” for his uncanny ability to soothe his grandchildren.

After retiring from Washington Hospital following over 30 years of service, Phil and Mary Lou traveled extensively, visiting Ireland, Canada and all 50 states, many en route to reunions for the USS Bennington. Locally, Phil traveled extensively as a member of the Rover Boys golf league and Korean War Veterans of Western PA, appearing in numerous parades and performing countless military funerals across the region for his fellow Veterans. For years, Phil and Mary Lou wintered in Florida, where he would take joy in asking his children how cold it was up north.

Due to the Covid 19 emergency, there will be no viewing or mass. Burial will be private at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies and a Memorial Mass and Celebration of Phil’s life will be held at a later date…as to when, Phil would say, “Inquiring minds want to know!”

Services handled by Paul Henney Cremation & Funeral Tributes, Bethel Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations graciously encouraged to:

Hugh C. Muldoon Scholarship Fund

c/o Duquesne University School of Pharmacy

600 Forbes Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Or

American Legion Post 760

Scholarship Fund

2409 Bethel Church Rd.

Bethel Park, PA 15102

www.henneyfuneralhome.com

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