Mr. Edward C. Ward, age 85 , of 173 State Park Avenue, Salamanca, New York died unexpectedly early Friday morning, March 27, 2009 at Olean General Hospital, Olean, New York.

Born on September 2, 1923 in Salamanca, New York he was the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth Connors Ward. He was married on October 1, 1960 in Holy Name of Mary Church, Ellicottville, New York to the former Helen Jedrzejek who survives.

Mr. Ward was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving with the 491st Port Battalion in the South Pacific and New Guinea during WWII.

He was employed by Cattaraugus County for 36 years prior to his retirement in 1986.

Mr. Ward was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish St. Patrick’s Worship Site, the St. Vincent DePaul Society where he was awarded the Osaman Award in 1999 for 45 years service, the Holy Name Society where he served as treasurer, SCOUT, Salamanca Area Senior Citizen Center.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Mary (Kent) Gilstrap, Columbus, Ohio, Suzanne Ward, Broad View Heights, Ohio; 2 sons, Mr. Richard (Kathleen) Ward, Canton, Michigan, Mr. Daniel (Minette) Ward, Concord, Ohio; 5 grandchildren, Austin Gilstrap, Columbus, Ohio, Nicole Ward, Rachel Ward, both of Canton, Michigan, Ryan Ward, Joshua Ward, both of Concord, Ohio ; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by 4 brothers, Mr. Walter Ward, Mr. James C. Ward, Mr. Robert E. Ward, and Mr. Francis Ward.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Sunday from 3:00 - 6:00 P.M.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Our Lady of Peace Parish (St. Patrick’s Worship Site) will be held on Monday morning at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Jozef Dudzik as celebrant.

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Ellicottville, New York.

The family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orouke.com