Israel "Izzy" Ward, Jr.

Israel "Izzy" Ward, Jr., 83, of Carmichaels, Pa., passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, in his home. He is survived by his wife, Audrey. He was born January 26, 1941, in Nemacolin, Pa., a son of the late Rev. Israel and Mattie (Armstead) Ward, Sr. Izzy was a 1959 graduate of Cumberland Township High School where he played football and was a singer in the six-member vocal group, the Satellites. After high school, Izzy enlisted into the U. S. Air Force and served as a medic with the rank of staff sergeant. While in the Air Force he met and married his beloved wife, Audrey Christine, on September 30, 1967. He worked as a milk plant supervisor for Safeway in Landover, Md. until his retirement in 1996. Izzy worked for a few years as a car sales associate at Bob Banning Motors, Inc. in New Carrollton, Md. where he was car salesman of the year for five years in a row. In 2001, he and his wife, Audrey moved to Carmichaels where he began working as a security guard at the former Hatfield Ferry Power Station. Later, Izzy began driving a school bus in the Carmichaels Area School District for First Student and then later Student Transportation of America. Izzy was a member of the Greene Valley Presbyterian Church in Carmichaels with his wife where he was an active choir member until his recent illness. In addition, he was a member of Cumberland American Legion Post 400. Izzy enjoyed sports and loved his pets, he also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Izzy was able to spend some of his last days with his beloved sister Willianne. Izzy and Audrey were able to travel to Houston to celebrate Willianne’s 94th birthday. It was a joyous time for them, and we are eternally grateful that they had that time together. He touched many lives and he "never knew a stranger". Also surviving him are his sister, Willianne Lee Lewis of Houston, Tex. (Robert M. Lewis, deceased); two sisters-in-law, Gloria Ward of Laurel, Md.; Blanche Ward of Plant City, Fla. and scores of nieces and nephews. His four brothers preceded him in death, Booker T. Ward, Andrew J. Ward and his wife, Ethel Mae, Franklin R. Ward and Thomas Jefferson (TJ) Ward and his wife, Helen; his sister, Stella J. Moses and her husband, Tommy. All are welcome to the viewing from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. on Friday, September 6 at the Yoskovich Funeral Home, Martin J. Yoskovich, Funeral Director and Owner, Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director, 300 South Vine Street, Carmichaels, Pa. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 A. M. on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Greene Valley Presbyterian Church, 104 E. Greene Street, Carmichaels with the Rev. P. Keith Larson officiating. Interment will follow at Laurel Point Cemetery, Carmichaels with military honors accorded by the U. S. Air Force and the Greene County Honor Guard. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Israel "Izzy" Ward, Jr., please visit our flower store.