Meriden- Richard Charles Ward, 74, beloved husband of Alice Ihrke Ward of Meriden, passed away peacefully at his home January 26, 2005. Born in Portland, Oregon, May 30, 1930, a son of the late Leonard and Jessie Scott Ward. Mr. Ward resided in Meriden since 1934 and graduated from Meriden High School, class of 1948. He was employed at Northeast Utilities for 39 years as a Test Coordinator before retiring in 1992. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the Castle Craig Color Camera Club, the Quarter Century Wireless Association, American Radio Relay League and the Meriden Amateur Radio Club, his call name being WIEYF. Some of his most enjoyable memories were of cruises with his wife and many trips to Disney World with his family members and grandchildren, Paul, Melany, and Emily. Besides his wife Alice, he is survived by his children: Richard Charles Ward, Jr. and his wife Jennifer, Cynthia Szymaszek and husband, David, David Stratton and soul mate Eden, Steven Stratton, Mark Stratton and his wife Nicole, Stephen Ward and his wife, Maria, Jeffery Ward and his wife, Debbie, and Allan Ward and his wife, Donna; grandchildren, Paul, Melany, and Emily Szymaszek, Ann, Chelsea, Curtis, and Casey Stratton, Isaac Neman, Alexis, Gregory, and Christopher Ward, John Soto, and Marissa Lyttle and her husband, William, twin sister, Betty Ward, and brother, Arthur Ward and his wife, Jackie. Mr. Ward is also survived by nieces, Kim Ward and her friend, Dena, Tara Ward and her friend, Jack, nephew, Scott Ward and his wife, Holly and very good friend, Robin Ganley. A special thanks to Dr. Nadkarni for her loving support. Funeral service Saturday, Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FLATOW FUNERAL HOME, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Franciscan Hospice Care, PO Box 4001, Meriden, CT 06450.