John S. Ward, 79, of Fryeburg passed peacefully away on Monday morning, Sept. 16, 2019, after a lengthy battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

He was the son of Humphrey Randolph Ward and Elinor Haines Ward of Needham, Mass. He was a graduate of Fryeburg Academy Class of 1958 and a graduate of the University of Nebraska. John was a proud Army veteran from 1961–67. He was the head negotiator for a teachers’ union for better wages in Plymouth, Mass., in the 1970s and a special needs teacher in Plymouth for over 10 years.

He was an avid member of Kiwanis Club of Plymouth, Mass., for over 15 years, and a member of the American Legion. He was also the proud co-owner of Tina’s Nipa Hut Gift Shop in Wareham, Mass., for 25 years, and the co-founder of Cranberry Highway Associates with then co-founder the late Flo Byron. John was also active with the Filipino community of the Boston area. He was an active board member for the Phillippine Dance Company of Boston and was the Hermano of the Santa Nino Festival in the Phillippines back in 1988 that fed hundreds of needy people. He loved the Phillippine Islands, doing business there and knew the late Levi Celerio, famous violin player and composer in the Phillippines. In his last days he went back to playing his violin after giving it up at 16 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Clementina Rosel Ward; his daughters, Leona C. Ward and Wendy L. Ward; a granddaughter; and a sister, Carol Diedering.

Memorial services were held at Christ Episcopal Church in Needham, Mass., in the chapel on Monday, Sept. 23, at 2 p.m., followed by refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to Fryeburg Academy Music Department, 745 Main St., Fryeburg, Maine 04037.

Arrangements are under the care of Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren Street, Fryeburg. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.woodfuneralhome.org