Donald James Ward Jr., 89, of Great Barrington, founded Ward’s Nursery

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Donald James Ward Jr., of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2021, at the age of 89.

One of four children and father of seven, Don was born May 25, 1932, to Donald and Helen (Neuman) Ward and grew up in the Bronx, New York; Stamford, Connecticut; at Westchester, New York. Don spent many summers with his family in Hillsdale Green River, New York before settling in Great Barrington.

Don met his wife of 63 years, Lorraine Wells, at Fairview Hospital, where she was a nurse and she worked a second job as a night janitor / ambulance driver (there’s a story there). They were married on January 25, 1958 in St. Louis. Peters Church and had seven children.

Donald James Ward Jr.

Don started the Wards Nursery and Garden Center with his business partner and friend Matt Tomich in 1957. He gave it to his sons in the late 90’s and, now in its 64th year, a the third generation is in the lead.

A veteran of the Korean War, Don has had many vocations throughout his life: from nurseryman and florist to sales representative for the many ornamental plant growers throughout the U.S. Don loves the gardening industry. As a sales rep, he is well-known to garden center owners and growers in the northeast, as he is always ready to lend, listen, and give advice. Don is a member of the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and the American Nursery Association, and past president of the New England Nursery Association.

Along the way, Don also became a member of many local organizations and committees. A short list includes The Lions Club, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee, and an active member of St. Louis. Peters Parish and its Finance Committee.

Don is committed to his faith and family, above all else. He loves to run and is an active member of a local running club. She enjoys attending her children and grandchildren at sporting events and school events. He has always been an entrepreneur, starting many different businesses and projects. He continued to emphasize the importance of a good education. Don worked full time, but somehow still found time to run marathons, or later in his life to play golf with his friends on Sunday mornings. Don encouraged his children and grandchildren to work hard, play hard, and, most of all, be generous and compassionate.

Don is survived by his wife Lorraine (Wells), children Donald III (Claire), Gregory (Christine), Michael (Bridget), and Tim; daughters Maureen Barnaba (Anthony), Eileen Ward Fauci (Anthony), and Colleen Souza (Steven); grandchildren Lance Ward, Hannah Ward, Sam Fenell-Ward (Mary), Nicole Marques (Ryan), Eva Ward, Justin Ward, Ryan Ward, India Ward, Ciana Barnaba, Lydia Barnaba, Rosa Barnaba, Alyssa Souza, Maura Souza , Keira Souza, Olivia Ward, Isabella Fauci; and great -grandson Archie Marques. She is also survived by sisters Mary Alice Welch and Dolores Viebrock.

Don was preceded by his parents and brother Joseph Ward.

SERVICE: The Liturgy of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Peters Church, 213 Main St., Great Barrington, celebrated by Rev. William P. Murphy, pastor. No calling time.

In exchange for flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to St.Peter Parish directly or through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send memories to the family , please visit the Finnerty & Stevens website.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers at Geer Assisted Living who tend to Dons in need of such kindness and grace.

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