William Glenwood Ward Sr.

William Glenwood Ward Sr., 87, passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2026, surrounded by his wife and loved ones. Until the very end, Bill remained a man of kindness and grace, expressing deep gratitude for his long and fulfilling life.

Born on August 30, 1938, in Washington, DC, to Robert Roy Ward Sr. and Margaret Geris Ward, Bill attended Holy Name Grade School, where he first met his future wife. He graduated from St. John’s College High School in 1957 and, many years later, earned a college degree with highest honors from Harrisburg Area Community College in 2011. A United States Army veteran, he spent his career with the Defense Mapping Agency, retiring in 1995.

Bill shared nearly 67 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, JoAnn DeSarno Ward. Together they raised three children: William Glenwood Ward Jr., Theresa Ward Geroux, and Christopher James Ward. After retirement, the couple moved from Rockville to Ocean View, Delaware, where Bill realized his dream of living near the beach. He worked at a local beer store, made many new friends, and embraced retirement. The greatest joy of his life was the arrival of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known affectionately as Pop Pop, he carried their pictures in his wallet and proudly showed them to anyone who would look.

After eight years by the shore, Bill and JoAnn moved to Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, where he continued to cherish time with family, made new friends, traveled with his wife, and became known as the “shoe man” at Boscov’s. He spent many years coaching youth football for his grandsons’ teams, earning the title of everyone’s Pop Pop. Throughout his life, Bill generously shared his deep knowledge and love of sports, history, family genealogy, and antique cars. Family vacations were filled with his interesting facts and gentle quizzes to ensure his children were paying attention.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn D. Ward; his son William G. Ward Jr. and wife Irene of Fredericksburg, Virginia; his daughter Theresa Ward Geroux of Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania; and his son Christopher James Ward of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by ten grandchildren—Adrienne (Kenny) Lewis, William (Meaghan) Ward, Nicole (Luke) Baab, Alexander (Courtnee) Geroux, Maxwell (Desi) Geroux, Maria Ward, Matthew Ward, Henry Ward, Edward Ward, and John Ward—and twelve great-grandchildren: Leah, Connor, Ava, Adeline, Joanna, Claire, Lucille, Reid, Calvin, Rose, Mary Jane, and Beckett. He leaves behind his brother Paul Ward, his sister Kathleen Ward Collins, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his son-in-law James Geroux, his brothers Robert Roy Jr., Joseph, and James Ward, and his infant sister Eileen.

Those who loved him will find comfort in the lessons he taught, the memories they will forever cherish, and the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who carry his legacy forward.