Michael Sven Ward

Michael Sven Ward

Of Vestal

Michael Sven Ward of Vestal, NY passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025. He was predeceased by his father, Richard, and his brother, Timothy. He is survived by his mother, Phyllis; his siblings, Kathleen (Uerz), Susan, David, and Brian; as well as his sister-in-law, Suzanne Ward, brother-in-law, Dave Uerz; and nephews and nieces: Brian, Kari, Daniel, Denise, Jeff, Rob, and Megan; Uncle Gerald Reardon and Aunt Sharon Ward. In addition to those named, Mike is also survived by his extended family including cousins from the Ward, Reardon, and Perman families, great-nephews, great-nieces, and many close friends, all of whom have enjoyed reunions at the Ward Pond every summer since 1989.

Mike helped countless family members, friends, and businesses as a master electrician for over 40 years in the Southern Tier and on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Mike grew up in a family that cherished the outdoors. He juggled many hobbies over the years, including golf, fly fishing, hunting, running, riding his Harley, traveling, and camping. One of his favorite places was Tall Pines Golf Course, where, whenever he had free time, you could find him playing the course, helping with a project, or enjoying the company and scenery at the bar and restaurant. He introduced the Ward/Reardon clan to Tall Pines during the annual family reunion. This tradition turned into an almost daily routine for the golfers at the Pond camp out, who would rise before dawn to play 18 holes before returning to the Ward Pond for lunch.

Mike’s enjoyment of golf continued when he moved to Naples, FL, in 2017, where he also enjoyed riding his Harley as often as he could. Mike was also a loyal supporter of AHL teams that called Binghamton home, including the Dusters, Rangers, Whalers, Icemen, and Senators. Additionally, he was a New York Jets fan, despite the rest of his family supporting the Giants.

Mike took many eastern US golf trips with friends. He also took countless football and NASCAR trips all over the country and enjoyed every minute. In 2003 Mike, David, Phyllis, and his Aunt Polly took the trip of a lifetime to Alaska where they cruised the coastline stopping in Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau. Mike especially loved the lobster onboard the ship and seeing how Alaskans lived and kept their traditions alive.  Mike’s love for outdoor adventure began with his family’s year-long camping trip around the U.S. in 1972. The outdoors, wildlife, hiking, and story-telling at the campfires served as both school and home for all eight family members.

He is loved, respected, and admired for his many talents and gifts and will be missed by his immediate family, extended family, and friends.  A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held at McGirk’s Irish Pub, 1 Kattelville Road, Binghamton; from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, January 25th.  
 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the University of Rochester Golisano Children’s Hospital in memory of Michael Sven Ward can be made online at https://bit.ly/Golisano-donation-MSW or mailed to Golisano Children's Hospital, Larry and Cindy Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center, 300 East River Rd. PO Box 278996 Rochester, NY 14627.

Online condolences may be made at:   www.omaddenfh.com.  Arrangements by the Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home 69-71 Maple Street Harpursville.  A MADDEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME.

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