Daniel P. Ward

Daniel (Dan) P. Ward, 53, of Cape Vincent, NY passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, December 9, 2023, following a long battle with colon cancer.

He was born March 16, 1970 in Syracuse, NY to John and Connie Ward. He graduated from Henninger High School, class of 1988, and then attended Clarkson University, where he earned his BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering in 1992. Dan earned his NYS Professional Engineering License, opened his own consulting and design firm (Seaway Civil Engineering) and followed up with additional Masters Studies in Geographical Information Systems from Penn State. 

Dan’s long construction career began as a field engineer for power plant construction all over the continental US, Caribbean, and Central America. He rose swiftly to a project engineer, and then to assistant project manager. In 2003, he and Wendi moved home to NY and he went to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at Fort Drum, NY. Dan’s career continued to skyrocket, capping his next 10 years with his most major achievement, the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS BRAC133) in Alexandria, VA. He considered this his swansong project as head of construction on the tallest building built for USACE, and took much pride that it was brought in 37 days ahead of schedule after a 15-month delay prior to his arrival. He then returned to the private industry where he finished out his construction career. He spent the last years consulting, and as an operations manager, for a local company until cancer wouldn’t allow him to work any longer.

Dan’s passion was to be with his loving wife Wendi, and their two young daughters, Claire and Andie Rae, making as many memories with them throughout their time together. His hobbies included miniature tabletop warfare, video games, and golf. Dan will be best remembered for his endless compassion, caring, and laughter with his family and lifelong friends.

Dan gave back to his local community through volunteer work as a camera-man at WPBS-TV and as a local town girls’ softball coach, serving as a Thousand Islands Central School District Board Member, and as a driver with the Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS). 

Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Wendi R. (Hewes) Ward; daughters Claire Constance Ward and Andie Rae Ward, both of Cape Vincent; and host-daughter Monica Pham of Prague, Czech Republic; brother-in-law Michael (Trisha) Hewes of Wellington FL, and niece Haylee Hewes; niece Sarah Jo Ward of Bainbridge Island, WA; sister-in-law Tammy Seeloff of Wilmington NC; nieces Morgan Ward of Wilmington NC, Hannah Ward of Newberg OR, and nephew Michael Ward of Wilmington NC. Dan was preceded in death by his sister, Patrice L. Ward; brothers Michael E. Ward and Douglas J. Ward; and his parents John F. Ward and Constance L. Ward. 

Arrangements are entrusted with Hart & Bruce Funeral Home. 

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 10am to noon, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 521 James Street, Clayton NY. The Funeral Mass will immediately follow at noon. In honor of Dan, we kindly request that you bring a dish to pass at the celebration of life immediately following the Funeral Mass at the parish center.

Inurnment will take place at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery Sunset Mausoleum Chapel in Syracuse, NY.

The family requests any remembrances be made in the name of Claire or Andie Ward at Watertown Savings Bank, 352 James Street, Clayton NY 13624; to Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS) at PO Box 524, Clayton NY 13624; or to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown NY 13601. One last request, please get your colonoscopy. 

Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com 

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