Stanley E. Ward

Stanley E. Ward, 95, Alexandria Bay, passed away early Sunday morning at Samaritan Summit Village, Watertown, NY, where he was a resident since October 2023.

He was born May 6, 1929, in Alexandria Bay, son of Earl A. and Jennie L. (Roy) Ward. He graduated from Alexandria Bay High School in 1947 and married June D. (Hartman) Ward on May 28, 1949, in Alexandria Bay. The two were married for seventy years and together for seventy-seven.

Stanley’s work career began alongside his father as a mechanic at Hutchinson’s Boat Works in Alexandria Bay. From there, he went on to work as a milkman at Gulf Hill Dairy, where he eventually became a partner of the company. After that, he began at the post office as a mail carrier and ultimately retired as the Postmaster of the Alexandria Bay Post Office.

Stanley was a member of various organizations, including the American Legion, Masons Grand Lodge 297, Wireless Ham Radio Club, and a lifetime NRA member and instructor. He enjoyed time with family, hiking the Adirondack peaks, the St. Lawrence River, and traveling extensively with June all over the US, Canada, and Alaska. He will be remembered by friends and family for his savant-like ability to recall dates and events with accuracy. Conversations ultimately led to stories regarding his years in the Navy, 1947-50, where he served on the USS Hamul, a destroyer tender that traveled throughout the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Stanley was predeceased by his beloved wife June (2019).

He is survived by his son and daughter, Gawaine (Lorraine) Ward and Jacquelyn (Doug) Strough, all of Alexandria Bay. In addition to his children, he is also survived by five grandchildren: Jessica (Carlton) Ridsdale, Danielle Ward, Ryan (Andria) Strough, Justin Strough (Erin Hunneyman), and Genesis (Robert) Scales; and four great-grandchildren: Alexis Ridsdale, Grady and Henry Scales, and Maren Strough. Along with a brother, Frederick “Buzz” (Gayle) Ward and extended family.

There will be no public services. A private burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the MacSherry Library, 112 Walton Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607, or the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, 54 Church Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department, River Hospital, and Samaritan Summit Village.