Richard J. Ward, Jr.
May 10, 1936 – March 20, 2024
Richard (Dick) Ward, an intellectual property attorney and former mayor of San Marino, passed away at his home on March 20, 2024, surrounded by his wife of 55 years and his five children. He was 87 years old. Known as “Da” to his thirteen grandchildren, he will be remembered for his dedicated service to his community, his competitive love of sports, his passion for winemaking and his love for his family.
The oldest of five children, Dick was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Irish parents Richard J. Ward and Catherine Joyce Ward on May 10, 1936. His father worked for Santa Fe Railroad, so Dick grew up in multiple cities across the United States. He lived in New York City during his secondary school years and attended Regis High School, a Jesuit Catholic school. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from St. Louis University in 1958 and a Juris Doctor in Law from the University of Southern California in 1964. Dick was a partner and practiced patent law for the firm Christie, Parker & Hale for 46 years before he retired.
Dick married Ann (Salvaty) Ward in 1967 and moved to San Marino where they started their family of five. Despite his busy law career, Dick joined and served many local civic organizations, coached countless basketball, softball, and baseball teams, and spent decades pursuing his wine making passion, bottling his under the beloved label “La Vista.”
He never shied away from leadership positions, and over the years served as President of the San Marino Schools Foundation, San Marino City Club, the Pasadena Respiratory Health Foundation and San Marino Little League. His most cherished position was serving on the San Marino City Council and as mayor, presiding over the city’s centennial celebration.
Dick was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009. For 15 years, he battled the disease but never let it beat him physically or mentally. With the assistance of his trusty walker, his wife and his team of dedicated caregivers, he made cross-country trips for Regis reunions, family weddings, and multiple celebrations of life. He loved his family and friends and never wanted to miss out on a party.
He stayed connected to everyone through phone calls, emails, and visits. His presence was felt and will be missed. Dick is survived by his wife Ann, and his children Beth Francesconi (Gary), Katie Ward (Eric Hamilton), Megan Abramsonward (Hans), Peter Ward (Anna), Tommy Ward (Selina Keilani); grandchildren Madelyn, Charlie, Ben, Felix, Murray, Caetano, Tomasso, Ronaldo, Grace, Maggie, Oliver, Faris and Ayman; siblings Joyce Ninneman, Marilyn Mathis, and Phil Ward and preceded in death by his brother Tom Ward.
A funeral service to celebrate Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, April 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Homeless Prenatal Program at homelessprenatal.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
