James Richard “Rick” Ward

August 23, 1933-February 5, 2025

J. Richard “Rick” Ward, 91 of Hollidaysburg, PA and Tampa, FL died peacefully Wednesday afternoon at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Altoona, the son of, Ward Trucking founder, William Wilbur Ward and Dorothy Craig Ward.

He was a graduate of Mercersburg Academy and Princeton University (1955), where he attended the Woodrow Wilson School and was a member of the Campus Club. In 1980, he received an honorary doctorate from St. Francis University.

Rick married Alicia Evelyn Burns on August 3, 1957 in Bay Head, New Jersey. They had three children.

He worked for Ward Trucking Corporation for 40 years and served in multiple leadership roles, notably as company Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.

Rick was active in the community serving on boards for the Altoona Symphony Orchestra, the Blair County Arts Foundation, the Southern Alleghany Museum of Art and the Mercy Hospital Corporation. He was a generous supporter and patron of the arts in Blair County.

He was an avid reader and had many hobbies, including photography, woodworking, and crafts. Rick was also a dedicated Penn State Football fan and tailgater.

In his retirement, he traveled the world with his wife Alicia, and enjoyed spending his winters in Tampa, his summers at his home in Hollidaysburg, and time with his family and friends.

He was a genuinely nice man known for his intellect, creativity, and quick wit.

He was a member of the Blairmont Club and a retired member of the Spruce Creek Rod & Gun Club.

Rick was preceded in death by his wife Alicia on June 27, 2023. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey C. Ward; two daughters: Alicia Ward Miller (Marc) and Julia Ward Held (Raymond); nine grandchildren: Matthew Miller (Marissa), Megan Dowden (David), Alex Miller, Kevin Ward, Gregory Ward, Eric Ward, Evan Held, Laura Held and Andrew Held; a great-grand daughter Alicia; his two brothers: G. William Ward and Michael E. Ward.

Friends will be received from 5-8 pm, Thursday, February 13, 2025 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 pm, Saturday, February 15, 2025 at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 312 Clark Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 with Fr. Alan E. Thomas, celebrant. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

The family kindly requests contributions to be made in Rick’s memory to: Blair County Arts Foundation, 1212 12th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.