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ROBERT E. WARD
MILTON/WINOOSKI /FAIRFAX - Robert E. Ward, 76, died on Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, in the Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington surrounded by loving family members, due to complications with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Bob was born on Aug. 10, 1932, in Littleton, N.H., the son of John and Mildred (Reed) Ward. He graduated from Littleton High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Hornet during the Korean Conflict. He was very patriotic and was honored serving his country. On Dec. 19, 1953, he married Priscilla Ellen Cutting, who for the next 53 years was the love of his life. Together they began their family. They lived on Baker Lane in Milton for many years and spent a great deal of time at their family camp at Miles Pond. He and Priscilla eventually settled in Fairfax. During this time he rose through the ranks with New England Telephone, retiring from NYNEX in 1990, following 34 years of service. Robert loved to work, however, he loved his family more, he especially loved looking out for his children and grandchildren. Bob was an avid New York Yankees fan. He was thrilled to visit Yankee Stadium for the first time in August 2007. His most recent business venture was rental real estate. Bob was predeceased by Priscilla on April 12, 2007. He is survived by his loving family, Vicki-Lynn Centerbar and her husband Jay of Huntington; Wallace Ward of Burlington; and Andrew Ward of Evansville, Ind. Affectionately known by his grandchildren as Bompa, he is survived by Hayley (Centerbar) Contois and husband Cory, and Whitney Centerbar, all of Huntington, Isaac Girouard of South Burlington, Drew, Allison, Daniel, and Joseph Ward all of Evansville, Ind.; by his great-grandson Connor Contois; and by his brother-in-law Paul Cutting of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. Robert is also survived by his beloved partner, Marie Miller of Winooski. He and Marie enjoyed many Friday nights dancing at the RVA and VFW. He is also survived by Marie's children, Kathi Distalto and husband Marc of South Burlington, Monica Burnham and Jeff Lang of Jericho, Mark Burnham and wife Donna of Milton, Michael Burnham and Linda Lemag of Milton, Cathy-Ann Brace of Colchester, and Pamela Fosburgh of Essex Junction, and by numerous friends from his social group at the Elks, RVA and VFW. Bob's family would like to give special thanks to the caring and wonderful staff of doctors and nurses on Shepardson 3 and Shepardson 4 at the Fletcher Allen Health Care . Your love and support will never be forgotten. A funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at 4 p.m., in the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. Burial will be in the spring in the Milton Village Cemetery. Contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the American Lung Association, 372 Hurricane Lane, Suite 101, Williston, VT 05495. Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, Dec. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m., in the Minor Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to www.minorfh.com (http://www.minorfh.com).