Harry Nathan "Nate" Ward Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Harry Nathan “Nate” Ward, 79, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 11, 2020. Nate will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 52 years, Carole Lee Ward, a daughter Jamie Ward Eddy and husband Jason of Venetia, PA, a son Christian Ward of Boonsboro, MD, five grandchildren, Nicholas, Lucas, Nathaniel, Garrett, and Nolan, and many more family. Born on November 7, 1940, Nate was the son of the late James and Helen Shober Ward of Garrett, PA. Salutatorian and Vice President of his class (1958) at Berlin Brothersvalley High School, he went on to study music at Susquehanna University, where he graduated in 1963. During his time at Susquehanna, he served as Class President, member of the Student Council, the Singing Crusaders, Marching and Symphonic Bands, Orchestra, and was an active member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. Nathan received his Masters of Music Education from the Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Ward began his teaching career at Lemoyne Middle School in 1966. He went on to teach at Cedar Cliff High School and lastly, East Pennsboro High School (Marching Band Director), where he retired in 2003. Many of his former students attribute their success as music educators and performers to his passion for teaching and music. After retiring from teaching, Nate worked at the Horn Hospital for several years. This gave him a great deal of pleasure, traveling to numerous schools in the area, visiting with colleagues, former students turned band directors, and making many new friends. Aside from teaching, Nathan was quite the performer himself. Playing a “mean” trombone, Nate was a member of the New Cumberland Town Band. He also played and served as brass instructor and later, drum major, with The Westshoremen Drum and Bugle Corps, 1974-1979. Nathan was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, where he served on Church Council, the Arts Committee, the A&P Committee, the Trinity Brass Ensemble, and the Chancel Choir. Nate was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing local courses, as well as annual golf trips to Myrtle Beach, SC with friends. He loved seeing his children and grandchildren in their element, traveling to spectate and enjoy many baseball games, hockey tournaments, band and chorus concerts, piano recitals and ballet performances over the years. He was one of Penn State’s biggest supporters and got a big thrill out of going to Happy Valley to see the Nittany Lions and the Blue Band. But one of his greatest joys was listening to his wife play the piano. He touched the lives of many with his bright smile, twinkling eyes, and words of encouragement. Most importantly, he was a wonderful husband, father, pop-pop, and dear friend to many. A memorial service will be celebrated at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, at a later time when we can safely gather. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Homeland Hospice, The American Cancer Society, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Concert Series, and/or Hungry for Music. The Musselman Funeral Home is Honored to Serve the Ward Family. 324 Hummel Avenue, Lemoyne, PA 17043.

Harry Nathan "Nate" Ward

November 7, 1940 - July 11, 2020