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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Daniel J. Ward

Daniel J Ward passed away peacefully at his home on March 6, 2023. He was born in Riverton, NJ in 1939 to the late Daniel and Anna May Ward. After graduating from Camden Catholic HS he attended several of the Big 5 Philadelphia universities before starting a successful career in Corporate Sales at Yellow Freight.

Dan was a lifelong golfer and member of Dupont Country Club, Cavaliers, and Hercules, along with being a regular at many of the other local courses. He later shared his love of the game with youth, volunteering with First Tee of Delaware and later serving on their Board of Directors. Dan also enjoyed coaching basketball for his children and grandchildren at St. Catherine of Sienna and Hanby Elementary and coaching baseball with the Westover Wildcats. Dan also developed a passion for bowling, participating in the DuPont Retiree Bowling League as well as patiently trying to teach his children and grandchildren the finer points of the game.

Beyond sports, Dan also loved the great outdoors and this love of nature inspired him to volunteer at the gardens of Winterthur Museum and Point to Point Steeplechase. A world traveler, Dan and his wife Madelyn enjoyed many trips abroad and throughout the United States. While playing golf at every possible destination, including Pebble Beach and Saint Andrews, Dan amassed an impressive and treasured hat collection.

A true gentleman with a twinkle in his eye, Dan will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Daniel is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Madelyn; his sons Douglas (Laura) of Austin TX and Keith (Catherine) of Wilmington DE; his grandchildren Hannah, Aidan, Seamus, and Audrey; his siblings Michael Ward (Nancy) of Riverton NJ and Karen Skalski (Rich) of Langhorne PA; many nieces and nephews and his faithful dog, Tucker. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his sister Mary Ann Pray (survived by Burke).

The family would like to express their gratitude to Bayada Hospice and personal health aide, Mrs. Tammy Williams.

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Funeral Services

Services will be held Thursday March 16th, 2023 at 11:00am at Chandler Funeral Home 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington DE 19803. Visitors wishing to pay their respect may come starting at 10:00am. Interment will follow at St Joseph on the Brandywine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Tee of DE or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Condolences

    Cindy Glancy writes,
    Wishing you strength and comfort in this difficult time. Sending prayers to the family.
    03/10/2023 01:17 pm
    Tony Delfino writes,
    I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Ward. He was one of my basketball coaches at St. Catherines in the late 70's. I will always remember his calm demeanor and his patience with all the players on the team. He never raised his voice at anyone, whether it was practice or a game. He took his time with each player at practice to show them a new drill or to correct a previous mistake. He had a great sense of humor and always made you smile and laugh. I was fortunate for having Mr. Ward as a coach and mentor during my time at St. Catherines. To Mrs. Ward, Doug, Keith and the rest of the family, my sincere condolences. RIP Coach.
    03/11/2023 09:02 am
    Joseph M Cruz lit a candle and writes,
    We were shocked to hear from Madelyn about Dan' passing since we were looking forward to one of our fun diners together. I have known Dan for over 50 years since my first job with Hercules and he with our best carrier Yellow Freight. Everyone in the Philadelphia Traffic Club knew and respected him. We had a great time together with other shippers and carriers in the area. He was my best golf Teacher and we bowled together too. I am going to miss his great mustache and warn hugs and hand shakes too. May he rest in peace among the great bowlers in the sky good buddy.
    03/11/2023 05:39 pm
    Richard M Farmer Jr writes,
    Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Ward family as we have learned of Dan's passing. We have so many memories of us all together during our time at Cavaliers Country Club and our countless golf matches together!!!! Little did I know that our first encounters were at St. Edmond's during 8th grade basketball games as I officiated many of Doug's games. We all were brought together by our dear departed friend, Bob Oliver, at Cavaliers and enjoyed many evenings together at gatherings by our golf group. Dan was a special man who will never be forgotten by us. We will be with you in spirit from afar as you celebrate his life. Much love to all of you!!!!! Rich and Dottie Farmer
    03/12/2023 09:05 am
    Michael Donlon writes,
    Dan was a great mentor to me, when I started my transportation career at Yellow Freight. A true gentleman at all times. Condolences to his family.
    03/12/2023 06:05 pm
    Thorsten Muck writes,
    Dear Doug & Family, I was upset when I heard from Doug about the death of his father. Even though someone may have been ill for some time and so you could prepare to say goodbye - when that person then goes, it leaves a void. I wish you all that you can fill this void with thoughts of a wonderful person, think with joy of the time you were allowed to spend together with him. My heartfelt condolences, Thorsten
    03/14/2023 12:02 pm
    Natalie S. lit a candle and writes,
    I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Sending prayers to you and your family in this difficult time.
    03/14/2023 12:08 pm
    Mike Selk writes,
    Dear Doug & Family, so sorry for your loss. These times are incredibly difficult. I am glad Doug that you were able to spend time with your Dad near the end of his life. It seems he had a positive impact on a great many people he touched throughout his full life. My deepest condolences and wishing the entire Ward family joyful memories of Daniel.
    03/14/2023 04:30 pm
    Gail Scarborough writes,
    I was so saddened when I saw Dan's photo in the newspaper. I worked with him for many years at Yellow Freight; he became Northeast Director of Corporate Sales and I was his administrative assistant. We spent a lot of quality time together working with the customers and I had such fun planning all the customer dinners and activities. Dan was just the best "boss" I've ever had. He was the kindest and most generous person and I always think of him kindly. My thoughts go out to Madelyn and the boys.
    03/14/2023 04:50 pm
    Dave Dower lit a candle and writes,
    Doug, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. I remember meeting & talking with your parents at your house in Bucks County, PA a good while back. Take care and God bless.
    03/15/2023 07:49 am
    Shannon Wenzel writes,
    Dear Doug - I am so sorry for your loss. It is a blessing that you were able to say goodbye although I know it does not make it any easier. Luckily, it seemed that he had a life filled with happiness (and golf) and hopefully he will continue that up in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, keep the memories alive, hopefully they will keep you strong. God Bless and may he rest in peace.
    03/15/2023 09:50 am
    First Tee — Delaware writes,
    Ward Family, Thank you kindly for thinking of First Tee - Delaware in this tribute. The donated funds will certainly go towards Building Future Game Changers in our communities who will make an impact just like Daniel. All of our prayers and well wished to the families. Sincerely, The Staff and Board Members of First Tee — Delaware
    03/15/2023 02:24 pm
    Debbie Looby writes,
    Keith and Doug- I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at the very sad time.
    03/15/2023 05:23 pm
    Leslie Lancaster lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Doug, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad. No words can heal the sadness but in God's timing I pray there is comfort and peace through remembering all the good times. His smile definitely lives on in you. Sending you and your family my deepest sympathy.
    03/15/2023 09:33 pm
    Johnathon Butkus writes,
    Dear Doug, Words cannot describe losing a loved one, but I hope the joyful and loving memories you made with your father provide comfort to you and your family during this difficult time. My deepest condolences.
    03/16/2023 02:15 pm
    Clint and Angie Robertson writes,
    Madelyn and Family: Angie and I are so sorry to hear about Dan's passing. We both have wonderful memories of knowing Dan as dedicated marketer for Yellow Freight and a wonderful friend and confidant. We both remember fondly times we met socially with you and him and our long conversations about our families and careers. May God bring you peace and comfort. Clint Robertson
    03/17/2023 12:24 pm

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