Robert L. Ward, 74, of Mexico, died Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at the Oswego Hospital.

He was born in New Jersey and worked for Jersey Central Power and Light for 25 years, retiring in 1992. He was Fire Chief in La Fayette, N.J.

Mr. Ward served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Scriba and a member of Shirts and Skirts.

He was an avid fisherman and gardener and liked to travel.

Surviving are his wife, the former Shirley Albright; one son, Rodney (Linda) Ward of New Jersey; one daughter, Rhonda Ward, of New Jersey; eight stepchildren, Cinde (Roger) Elhage of Tennessee, Brenda Johnson of Oregon, Roberta Johnson of Connecticut, Michele (Jack) Guinta, of Baldwinsville, Patty Johnson of Oregon, Jackie (Sean) Johnson-LeBlanc of Oswego, Donald (Shelly) Johnson of Iowa, Kimberly (Richard) Spurling of Mexico; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Raymond (Dotty) Ward of New Jersey; one brother-in-law, Jack Cooper of Castile; and several in-laws, Carol Albright, Roger Peck, Connie (Mel) Haynes, Rose (Lyle) Rhinehart, Linda (Karl) Anderson, Robert (Tina) Albright and Bonnie (Danny) Pearson.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. today from Sacred Heart Church, Scriba. Burial in New Haven Cemetery.

Calling hours were held Friday at Harter Funeral Home, 9 Washington Ave., Mexico.

Contributions may be made to McFee Ambulance Corps or Sacred Heart Church.