John F. Ward Jr.

John F. Ward Jr. of The Oaks at Fort Edward passed away at Glens Falls Hospital on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Born on August 15, 1959 to Elizabeth Lortie and John F. Ward, John was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 42 and graduated from Whitehall High School in the class of 1977. He worked construction with his father’s company for many years before becoming one of Washington County’s first building code enforcement officers in 1985. In 1995 he joined the City of Glens Falls code enforcement office, where he served until his retirement in 2019.

Over the years John became a trusted resource for local code officials and mentored many new building inspectors. He was a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Whitehall Lodge #1491. He also proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company from 1977 to 1996, rising to the rank of Second Assistant Chief. He often said those years were the happiest of his life.

John was a devoted sports fan who followed his beloved New York Giants and New York Yankees.

He is survived by his sister Nancy Greenberg and her husband Robert of Brentwood, California, nephew Scott Greenberg and family of Pleasanton, California, nephew Jeffrey Greenberg of Brooklyn, New York, niece Abby Conley and family of Portland, Oregon, his good friend Brian Brooks Sr. and his wife Audrey of Whitehall, and his caregiver Mary Persuitti along with Cooper.

Family and friends may call from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m, Friday, June 12, 2026  at the Jillson Funeral Home Inc., 46 Williams St, Whitehall, NY.  Following the visitation A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. at the Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church on Skene Street in Whitehall, with interment following at Greenmount Cemetery.

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