Published in the April 20, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Thomas F. Ward III, 35, of Melrose, died on April 13, 2018.
He is survived by his wife, Avelyn M. (Currier) Ward, and by his parents, Thomas F. Ward Jr. of Melrose, and Gloria A. (Boyster) Ward, of Palm Harbor, Fla., and by Lisa Ward and Bill Muse. He is also survived by his sister, Kristina Hanlon, and her husband, David, of Saugus; by his grandmother, Latha Boyster of Palm Harbor, Fla., and by his uncle and aunt, Arnold E. and Marcia Boyster. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Smokey, and his cousins. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Thomas F. and Ruth Ward, and by his maternal grandfather, Arnold E. Boyster. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, April 19, from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Funeral services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tommy’s name to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445. To send a message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com Gately Funeral Home.
Tommy’s love for his family and friends was a force that couldn’t be escaped. He spent his days reaching out to all of us – lending an ear, a corny joke, or simply saying, “I hope you’re having a good day.” Tommy loved the mornings spent talking with his mom and days spent fly-fishing with his dad. He called them both everyday. He was a caring husband to his wife; Tommy took great joy in the quiet moments spent with her – from enjoying meals together to watching the Patriots and everything in between. He cherished his close friendship with his sister, which only grew stronger over the years. He enjoyed getting his brother-in-law riled up in political debates that always ended with Tommy’s good-natured laughter. He cherished many memories with all of his grandparents and continued to make his grandmother, Latha, laugh for his entire life.
Tommy loved playing hockey as a kid, skiing on snow or water, and playing pool. He was a true Boston sports fan; he loved filling up his living room with people watching the game. He loved animals – his best friend, Smokey, and Blue, who surely howled louder than ever when they reunited. In recent years, he came to love country music, camping trips, and the G.O.D. (great outdoors) in a newly strengthened faith. He worked hard to become a licensed insurance agent and was dedicated to the family business, Ward Insurance. He loved making his parents proud and did so everyday by being the kind, compassionate, big-hearted person that he was.
Most of all, Tommy loved life. No light ever burned brighter than his. He would want to be remembered without tears, only laughter. Picture him like this – a smile on his face, fishing rod in his hand, and peace in his soul. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
