Marlborough – Roland P. Ward, 88, of Marlborough, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his family.? He was the husband of Jennie (Martino) Ward, to whom he was married for 65 years.
He was born in Marlborough, the son of the late George and Laura (Dutilley) Ward and lived here all of his life.? He was a graduate of Marlborough High School class of 1943.? After graduation Mr. Ward enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. and fought in WWII, serving almost two years in the South Pacific campaign. Upon his discharge he enrolled in Manhattan College and soon after joined the Massachusetts National Guard and graduated from the Mass. Military Academy graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant and later being promoted to Captain in the Mass. National Guard.
Mr. Ward worked for the former General Motors in Framingham for 38 years as a product foreman, scheduling supervisor and quality control supervisor until his retirement in 1985.
He along with his wife were longtime members of the former Saint Ann's Church and current members of the Immaculate Conception Church of Marlborough. He was a member of the Marlborough Knights of Columbus council 81, serving as Grand Knight in 2000, and the Edward F. McSweeny 4th Degree Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Besides his wife he is survived by one son, Robert Ward of Shrewsbury; three daughters, Sheila Crothers and her husband Neil of Southborough, Mari Rossinni and her husband Robert of Hopkinton, and Lisa Ward Kittredge and her husband Barry of Marlborough; two sisters, Jeannette Derry of Orange and Theresa Boland of NC; five grandchildren, Christopher, Carrington, Nicholas, Andrew, and Brianne; one great-grandchild, Logan; and many nieces and nephews.? He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Kimberly.
His funeral was held Jan. 25 from the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com) of Marlborough, followed by a funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church and burial at the Rural Cemetery in Southborough.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Saint Jude Children's Hospital, 26 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
