BENJAMIN WARD
Aug. 10, 1926 -- June 10, 2002

NYPD: From Officer to Commissioner.
NYC Correction Commissioner.
NYS Correctional Services Commissioner.
NYC Housing Authority Police Chief.
NYC Traffic Commissioner.

[Text from the requiem liturgy printed program's back cover.]
There's a song, which in part reads:

This arresting image, that resembles an Impressionistic painting, was created quite unintentionally when the picture taker's arm was jostled while the camera was focused on the coffin being carried in the rain. Somehow the strangely striking image seems to fit with the song that opens Mary I. Ward's printed remarks.

"I decided
long ago

Never
to walk in
anyone's shadow.

If I fail,
if I succeed,

At least I lived
as I believe.

No matter what they take from me,

They can't
take away
my dignity."

Our father never walked in anyone's shadow. He made his own footprints in the sand.
Above: Image of the front cover of the printed program for the requiem services in St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Below: The text.
Celebrating the Life
of
Benjamin Ward

1926 -- 2002
Friday
June 14, 2002

Sometimes it was quicksand and he sank over his head, but he always climbed out -- with the help of his family and friends and most of all our mother.

He walked tall and with dignity. He was a proud man, and had every right to be.

Ben Ward was a one-of-a-kind man, and he'll be missed.

But, when we think of him, it can be with pride, and yes, even with happiness. Because he reached his goals down here -- and he's ready and willing to help us all from above.

That's what he'd want you to know; smiles, not tears, and every once in a while a little hello to the man who'll be in our hearts and minds forever.

So, just for a second -- right now -- look up, give him a smile, and say hello, not good-bye.

Ben Ward walk by here!
17 images, 533K total

-- Mary I. Ward

Celebration of Life
Benjamin Ward
PROCESSIONAL . . . "For All the Saints"

FIRST READING . . . Wisdom 3:1-9 Mary I. Ward

RESPONSORIAL PSALM . . . 23rd Psalm

SECOND READING . . . Thessalonians 4:13-18 Margie Ward Lewis

ALLELUIA

GOSPEL READING . . . John 14:1-6

HOMILY

PRAYER of THE FAITHFUL . . . Petitions

OFFERTORY . . . "Just a Closer Walk With Thee"

GIFT BEARERS . . .

Kelly Shepherd
Laura Shepherd-Brooks, Esq.
Buffi M. Ward, M.D.
Khary Shepherd
Cynthia Ward
Michael Lewis
Michelle Lewis
Tremaine Ward

LITURGY of THE EUCHARIST

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION

THE GREAT AMEN

THE LAMB of GOD

COMMUNION HYMN . . . "Prayer of St. Francis," "Be Not Afraid"

POST COMMUNION HYMN . . . "On Eagle's Wings"

EULOGIES . . . Lori Douglass (Goddaughter)

SPEAKERS . . .

Honorable Edward I. Koch
Former Mayor, City of New York

Honorable David N. Dinkins
Former Mayor, City of New York

Raymond W. Kelly
Police Commissioner City of New York

FINAL COMMENDATION

RECESSIONAL HYMN . . . "0 God Our Help In Ages Past"

Although not so listed in the Order of Service appearing on Pages 2 and 3 of the printed program (text above):
  • Mary I. Ward, during the Eulogies section, read her remarks from the program's back page, and
  • Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg led off the public officials who spoke.

Return to Commissioner Benjamin Ward In Memoriam Starter Page
or go
To NYC DOC Commissioner Ward newsletter excerpts: I
To NYC DOC Commissioner Ward newsletter excerpts: II
To Final Rite Photo Page (17 images, 533K total)
To Brief Benjamin Ward bio & archive photos
To NYCHS In Memoriam Page
To NYCHS Home Page