Arthur Joseph Ward

Arthur “Art” J. Ward, 75, former Mayor of Bristol, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Son of the late Jack and Mary (Hartney) Ward, Art was the beloved husband of Patricia (Cassina) Ward.

After his graduation from Bristol Eastern High School, Art joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served proudly in Vietnam receiving a Purple Heart medal. Following his service, Art vowed to make veterans a priority and accomplished this through his active membership and participation in numerous veterans’ organizations, his constant advocacy of veterans, and his work as a Veteran Services Officer for the State of CT. His years of service was recognized through his induction into the Veterans Hall of Fame.

A lifelong resident of Bristol, Art was committed to his city. He served numerous years on many boards and committees, and owned a local business, Award Café, “Home of the Sausage Burger.” Art was a City Councilor for 14 years and his dedication to Bristol was solidified when he was elected as Mayor in 2007. Art served three terms before retiring to enjoy time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Patricia, Art is survived by his three children and their spouses, Kim and Jeffrey Holley, Kevin and Dianne Ward, and Erin and Warren Hamilton; seven grandchildren, Makenna, Hunter, Warren, Adam, Avery, Ella and Will; in-laws Adele Bancroft, MaryAnn Lee, Rita and Michael Pletscher, Daniel and Bette Cassina, and Jean Cassina; several nieces and nephews; some very special and loyal friends, and his fellow veterans. Art was predeceased by three brothers, Michael Barzee and Charles and John Ward.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 4:00-8:00 pm at O’Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol. Family and friends are invited to go directly to church for A Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 11:15 am at St. Gregory Church, 235 Maltby St., Bristol followed by Interment with Military Honors at the State Veteran Cemetery in Middletown.

Please share a memory of Art with his family in the online guestbook at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Art’s memory may be made to the American Legion, Post #2, 22 Hooker St., Bristol, CT 06010.

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