Obituary of Donald Eugene Ward

Donald "Don" E. Ward was a caring and fun-loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, New York. Don was born to Francois and Frances Ward in Cleveland, Ohio. They relocated to Ogdensburg, New York in 1948 where Don grew up and attended St. Mary High School. With a love of the St. Lawrence River, Don enlisted in the Merchant Marines and sailed the Great Lakes as a young adult. One evening, while docked in Buffalo, New York, a mutual friend introduced Don to another Ogdensburg native, Karen Hyovalti, who was attending nursing school at the Children's Hospital in Buffalo. The attraction was instant and love quickly developed. Don asked Karen to marry him after 6 weeks of dating. They enjoyed 57 years marriage together and were true soul mates. Don and Karen had two children, Michele and Donald II, and built their lives around their love and family. Don was known for his out-going personality, sense of humor and enjoyed sharing it with all – especially at family functions and events. Grandchildren, nieces, nephews and siblings always enjoyed seeing him as he was known to have a joke or witty words of wisdom to share. He enjoyed time fishing and camping on St. Lawrence River with his family and was an avid history buff. Don is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Michele (Tom) Graham and Don (Rachel Williams) Ward; his grandchildren, Scott Pierson, Jonathan Graham and Marshall Graham; and his siblings Kathy Madlin and Richard (Dorie) Ward. A private family funeral service is scheduled. A memorial service for family and friends will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's honor may be sent to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, 18335 N. Whitefish Point Road, Paradis, MI 49768 or to Crouse Hospital 736 Irving Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210