Tribute Wall
Thursday
29
August
Visitation at Funeral Home
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
1225 Montauk Hwy
West Islip, New York, United States
Friday
30
August
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Friday, August 30, 2024
First Presbyterian Church Of Babylon
79 East Main Street
Babylon, New York, United States
Final Resting Place
Pinelawn Memorial Park
Pinelawn Road
Pinelawn, New York, United States
If you wish support a cause
In lieu of flowers, donations would be graciously accepted to the American Heart Association or the First Presbyterian Church of Babylon (attention deacons’ fund).
Obituary
Peter Paul Ward was born on April 25, 1987 in West Islip, NY to Peter K. and Deborah E. Ward. He was a caring son to Peter and Deborah and a loving older brother to Matthew K. Ward. He was also a faithful Christian and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Babylon, where he served as a Deacon.
From a young age, Peter was an avid reader, writer, and artist, producing an impressive body of work that includes poetry, prose, and illustration. His love of history, literature, and the natural sciences led him to earn degrees in English, History, and Biology from Stony Brook University and a Master of Library Sciences degree from Queens College.
Professionally, Peter worked as local history librarian at Brentwood Public Library, as a historical consultant for Brentwood School District, and proudly served as historian for the Brentwood Historical Society. As town historian, Peter helped protect and preserve a number of historic sites and chronicled the unique history of Brentwood, producing substantial original research on the development of that community.
In his free time, Peter enjoyed going on nature walks, fishing (both reel and fly), reading, writing, drawing, and performing standup comedy.
Peter is survived by his parents Peter and Deborah, his brother Matthew, and his sister-in-law Ana, who love him very much and who will work to preserve his stellar legacy. Peter was and is a beautiful soul who, in the words of his favorite poet Walt Whitman, truly “contained multitudes.”
A wake for Peter will be held at The Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home in West Islip, NY on Thursday, August 29 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 PM. Church services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Babylon on the morning of Friday, August 30th.
The family of Peter would like to thank all friends and family who have reached out with support and encouragement during this time.
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“I pass death with the dying, and birth with the new-washed babe
…and am not contained between my hat and boots, And peruse manifold objects, no two alike, and every one good, The earth good, and the stars good, and their adjuncts all good.”
- Walt Whitman, Song of Myself
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Chris Kretz posted a condolence
Monday, September 2, 2024
I will remember Peter as a generous colleague, an ever curious and interesting partner in conversation, and a friendly, unflappable presence. His passion for Long Island history was unmatched and I am happy to have shared some of that with him.
My heartfelt condolences to the Ward family and to all who knew Peter.
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Rahadyan Sastrowardoyo posted a condolence
Monday, September 2, 2024
Please accept my very sincere condolences on Peter Ward's passing. I first met him via historical society meetings and then as the Brentwood library as a whole became an important safe space for me. I didn't know him well, but I knew he was a cornerstone of the community and a friendly, solid presence. I grieve with his family, friends, and colleagues.
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Jerry lit a candle
Sunday, September 1, 2024
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First off, Peter you will be missed in so many ways. I only work with you for the start of your career. Mike Firestone ask me to teach you at the reference desk and I expanded it to teaching technology to our patrons. You were amazing, taking in everything I thrown at you. You re-created all my computer class handouts and helped me in every class I taught. Slowly taking over some of the classes. I never forgot you and your amazing ability to learn and adjust to the situation in front of you. I'm sorry the world loss such a gifted person and an amazing son. A community loss a dedicated librarian and I loss a friend. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for being the great human being that you were.
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Laurie Rodney posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
Dear Mr. Ward & Family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss of Peter. We will be keeping you in our prayers.
Robert, Carol, and Laurie Rodney
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Anastasia Bazilevskaya lit a candle
Thursday, August 29, 2024
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Anastasia Bazilevskaya posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
My deepest condolences to Peter’s family and friends!
I first met Peter at Patchogue-Medford library in 2013, and he was one of the first to welcome me when I came to work at Brentwood library in 2017. Peter was a kind, smart, caring, intelligent man with a wonderul dry sense of humor. He was an epitome of a gentleman and a librarian. Peter was a great colleague and a true friend. He was a gentle giant and the King of the History Room. There was no topic I couldn’t talk about with Peter and I always learned something new. He will always be remembered and missed. May his soul rest in peace!
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Lisa DeGennaro lit a candle
Thursday, August 29, 2024
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Deb & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Peter’s passing.
Our deepest condolences,
The DeGennaro Family
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Jadwiga Nowak Slupek lit a candle
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
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May he rest in peace!
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María I Rodríguez lit a candle
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
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My condolences to the family at this time of deep loss.
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Elizabeth Vasquez lit a candle
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
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I met Peter working at the Brentwood Public Library a few years ago and getting to know him was to love him. He was always so kind, caring, and gave the best advice. He had such a great sense of humor and always joked around with me and my sister. I remember we would always chit chat with him about new movie releases and old time flicks as well as keep up to date with current events getting his opinion and perspective on things, I always looked forward to our meaningful conversations. I’m glad that we crossed paths in life as Peter was and will forever be a pure soul full of positivity, that’s how I will always remember him.
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Monica Powers posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Over the years I worked at the Brentwood Library, I occasionally worked on a project with Peter. He had good ideas, always followed through and was a pleasure to work with.
My condolences to the family at this time of deep loss.
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Barbara Knice posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Peter was a bright breath of fresh air in this world. Five minutes after meeting him, I felt as if I had known him forever. He was a pleasure to talk with and a treasure to know. He will be missed. Barbara Knice
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John Sutton Jr. posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
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I had the immense honor of knowing Peter since 1st grade, and our friendship blossomed from those early days through high school and beyond. I cherish the memories of our endless conversations about everything from dinosaurs and space to chess and the complexities of morals.
We shared countless moments on the basketball court, with Peter shining as our star center in the starting five. His invitation to join him at his church and the time we spent together in the youth group were significant to me. Peter's deep faith not only enriched his life but helped lay the foundation for my own spiritual journey, which continues to guide me today.
Peter was one of the most brilliant and thoughtful students I’ve ever known. His humility, respect for everyone, and profound understanding of individualism left a lasting impression on me. Every conversation with him was a revelation, and knowing him was a true privilege. I am deeply grateful for the time we spent together and the lasting impact he had on my life.
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Elda C. lit a candle
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
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Ellen Edelstein lit a candle
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
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There aren't enough, or the right, words to express my profound sense of loss and sadness. Visiting and talking with Peter was the high point of many of my days. His humor, kindness and intellectual curiosity were gifts that he shared freely and with great joy. He was enthusiastic about every project he undertook and he did them all well. I will miss him terribly but I will be forever grateful for having known him.
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Joan Hackett Posted Aug 30, 2024 at 3:58 PM
Peter came into my life through our Genealogy group at the Brentwood Library. He was so well prepared for our meetings, welcoming to all who came and helped us with our research no matter how insignificant the request was. Peter was a wonderful, kind person. I offer my condolences to his family. I will miss him. Sister Joan Hackett
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Thomas L Wilson lit a candle
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
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As a Brentwood resident, I didn’t know him well but I seen him plenty of times in the community, especially organizations that I belong to in the community. His presence will be missed in the community. My prayers are that God comfort his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest well, Peter
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Stacie Khoury lit a candle
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
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I didn't work in the same department but his loss is felt here in Colorado. Both George and I are heartbroken for Peter's family and our friends at BPL.
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Rhiannon Fiust lit a candle
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
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Ximena Colban lit a candle
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
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The family of Peter Paul Ward uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
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