Obituary of William Ward

William Ward, 93, passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2010, at Ellis Hospital. William was born in Hoosick Falls, N.Y. on February 8, 1917, a son of the late Albert and Helen Kehoe Ward. During World War II he faithfully served in the U.S. Navy. William stood on the deck of the U.S.S. Oklahoma at 7 A.M. when a Japanese torpedo struck the ship. He swam to safety on Fort Island and continued his military service by assisting in Hawaii. William would serve in the Navy until being honorably discharged in 1945. As a young man he worked as a bricklayer in the Schenectady area. He was a graduate of Schenectady High School, obtained a bachelors degree from Siena College, and then earned a law degree from Albany Law School. William was a private practice attorney who worked out of the law office of Michael Brockbank in Schenectady. He retired in 2000. Survivors include his significant other of 20 years, Sandra Stake; legally separated wife, Dorothy Betts Ward; and two nieces and one nephew. William was predeceased by a brother and sister. Memorial contributions may be made in William's name to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, N.Y. 12302.