John T. L. Ward, 79, of Phillipsburg, formerly of Milford, died Monday, August 18, 1997 in his home.

He began his forty-three year career with Riegel Paper in Milford, NJ in December 1941, working in the mills for twelve years. He later advanced to chemist in the laboratory for about six years, during which time he became chief chemist. He also served as director of quality control, overseeing five labs. He also worked out of the New York office as a troubleshooter, providing technical assistance to sales representatives. For the balance of his career, he served as special sales representative, and was responsible for several of the companies major accounts. He retired from the company, which was then James River in July of 1983. Prior to working for Riegel Paper, he had worked for Bethlehem Steel and the Lone Star Cement Company.

Born July 28, 1918 in Phillipsburg, he was the son of the late John J. and Helen C. Hackett Ward.

He was a 1935 graduate of Phillipsburg High School. He attended Allentown Prep School where he was inspired by Professor Krause to pursue the chemistry field. He later attended Lafayette College where he majored in chemistry and minored in education. He was a life member and social secretary of the Theta Xi Fraternity and was an honorary member of the Kapa Phi Kapa Fraternity. He is a member of the graduating class of 1940 and the Marquis Society of Lafayette College.

He was active in sports during his years in school and participated in football, ice hockey, baseball and tennis.

He was a member of the American Chemical Society and the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry.

He was a member of St. Philip and St. James Roman Catholic Church, Phillipsburg.

An avid golfer, he was a member of the Oak Hill Golf Club and enjoyed playing bridge with the Holland Township Community Seniors Club, both in Milford. He was also a member of the Phillipsburg Elks Lodge 395 and the Quarter Century Club of Riegel Paper.

He and his wife, the former Mary Casey observed their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary last October 30th.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, John J. Ward of Palmer Twp. and two granddaughters.

Funeral services will be held 9:00 a.m. Friday from the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 South Main St., Phillipsburg, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated 9:30 a.m. in St. Philip and St. James Catholic Church, 426 South Main St., Phillipsburg. Calling hours will be held Thursday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, Greenwich Twp., NJ.

The family requests memorial contributions to the Valley Health Foundation for Easton Hospital. Attention Cardiac Rehabilitation Center. 2009 Lehigh St., Easton, PA, 18042.