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Obituary: Richard F. “Rick” Ward, 70, Castorland
Published: November 10, 2026
By: Provided by Iseneker
Funeral Home
Richard F. “Rick”
Ward
 CASTORLAND – Richard F.
“Rick” Ward, 70, of NYS Route 410, passed away late Monday evening,
November 9, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the loving care of his
family.
Rick was born on
July 20, 1956, in Lowville, a son of the late Earl and Shirley Crouse Ward.
He graduated from Lowville Academy in 1974 and attended Canton ATC. A hard
worker from the very start, he took his first job at age sixteen at the
Agway feed mill in Castorland. On July 1, 1978, he married Judy Elaine
Mellnitz at Beaver Valley United Methodist Church, beginning a partnership
that would span more than 48 years.
Rick built a
32-year career in manufacturing at the paper plant in Lowville, and he
always said his best years were the ones spent supervising his crew at Pajco. He gave his time and heart to the village he
called home, serving as Mayor of Castorland from 2001 to 2008. Long after
leaving office, he kept watching over it as the village’s unofficial
watchman from his front porch.
Rick found joy in
the good, simple things: rock music, NASCAR racing, a game of poker,
a motorcycle ride, and above all, being out in nature. A member
of the Wolff Creek Hunting Club and the Newton Falls Hunting Club, he
treasured his days hunting, his time at JW's Hunting Camp, and his travels
around the world with his brothers. Not everyone knew that he also had a
quiet passion for photography and a gift for seeing the beauty in the world
around him. Those who knew him will remember his amazing sense of humor and
the laughter he brought into every room.
Rick adored his
children, and his heart had room for many more. Over the years, the friends
his kids brought home became his “bonus kids,” each one welcomed as family.
Still, being “Pa” to his grandchildren was the role he held closest to his
heart. His love, his humor, and his steady care for the people and places
around him live in the family he leaves behind.
He is survived by
his beloved wife of more than 48 years, Judy; three children, Kristen
Ward-Aucter of Lowville, Matthew (Lisa) Ward of East Syracuse, and Paige
(Jacob) Yousey of Sackets Harbor; six cherished grandchildren, Rhys, Max,
Kara, Jaxon, Lyla, and Callum Ace; two brothers, Rodney (Linda) Ward of
Manlius and Russell Ward of Manlius; and several nieces and nephews. He was
predeceased by a brother, Randy Ward, and a sister-in-law, Laurie Koval
Ward.
Calling hours
will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026, at Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville. The funeral
service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at
Beaver Valley United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Castorland
Union Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Lowville
Lions Club or to Caring Friends of the Community – PO Box 712, Croghan, NY
13327.
Condolences may
be shared with the family online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com
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