Edward Michael Ward
October 8, 2022
Edward Michael Ward, 63, of Ocala, FL, formerly of Fairfax, VA, passed away October 8 in Gainesville, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and John Ward. Ed was born in Washington, DC, the fourth child of five, and grew up in Silver Spring, MD.
Ed graduated from George Mason University in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. He received his Master’s Degree in Information Systems Technology from The George Washington University in 2003. He worked for National Public Radio from 1983 to 1996, rising from Programmer/Analyst to Manager of Information Services. He was a Project Manager for the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials from 1996-1998. He served as Director of Information Technology and then Vice President of Information Technology for Highway Loss Data Institute/Insurance Institute for Highway Safety from 1998-2006. Ed was a Senior Project Manager for Lockheed Martin in 2006-2007. He then worked as a Principal Systems Engineer for the MITRE Corporation from 2007-2016. He retired in 2016.
As the youngest of three brothers, Ed often was the brunt of his older brothers’ antics. He had a sense of humor that endeared him to many. In high school he discovered his passion for music. He loved to play the piano and electric keyboard, as well as sing. He played in the band The Unsuitables and performed at many concerts in Culpeper, VA, and surrounding areas. We have many fond memories of family gatherings that included Ed playing keyboards and serenading us with his favorite songs, including those by the artists CSNY, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, and Jimmy Buffett.
Left to cherish his memory are his three children Benjamin, Caroline, and Nolan, his siblings John Ward (wife Stacey), Jim Ward (wife Karen), Cheryl Honeycutt (husband Jerome), and Carol Ward (husband Paul Kroeger), many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Ward Family.
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To all of Eds family and friends
– I remember the day Ed walked into my office many years ago and striking up a conversation about music. We became music brothers. We played in several bands over the years. Ed lived with Bonnie and I for a little while. I remember floating in the pool after returning from a gig and talking about the next song, the next gig, the next endeavor in life. I remember how fondly we spoke about his sons and daughter. I remember Ed as a kind soul. I love you Ed.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
It was truly a pleasure to get to know Ed, and I am grateful he welcomed me with open arms. Recently, I have come to learn and hear so many wonderful stories about him. I will never forget the first time we first met and how proud he was of his son. I still have the 2nd grade photo of Ben he carried in his wallet and passed along to me. My thoughts are with his family & friends.