New Jersey Irish Society Announces 10th Anniversary Grand Marshal for Gloucester City St. Patrick’s Parade
The New Jersey Irish Society is proud to announce Patrick Ward as the Grand Marshal of the 10th Annual Gloucester City St. Patrick’s Parade! This year, Patrick will represent the entire Ward Family as we also honor the legacy of his parents, John and Clare Ward. John and Clare Ward raised their eight children—Mary, Frank, Peggy, Mickey, John Felix, Hugh, Clare, and Patrick—on Baynes Avenue in Gloucester City, instilling in them a deep sense of faith, family, and service to the community.
Like their mother, Clare, all eight Ward children attended St. Mary’s Grammar School and Gloucester Catholic High School, continuing the family’s strong connection to Gloucester City’s Irish Catholic heritage. Throughout their lives, John and Clare dedicated themselves to various parish and civic initiatives, including the founding of Monsignor Edward Lucitt’s Gloucester City Needy Children's Christmas Fund. Clare also worked with the parish office of Aid to Aging, while John devoted many years of service to the Gloucester City School Board and Zoning Board.
A beloved tradition in the Ward home was Mrs. Ward’s St. Patrick’s Day ladies' gathering, which began each year with morning Mass at St. Mary’s before continuing the celebrations at their Baynes Avenue home. John Ward passed away in 1995, and Clare in 2019, but their legacy continues through their children, 20 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Patrick Ward follows in his parents’ footsteps, continuing the family’s tradition of service. Married to Lizann for over 30 years, Patrick and Lizann have raised their three children—Daisy, Sean, and Aidan—who also attended St. Mary’s Grammar School and Gloucester Catholic High School. Patrick and Lizann remain active members of the Gloucester City Needy Children’s Christmas Fund committee.
As a member of the Gloucester City Historical Society, Patrick has helped preserve and share Gloucester City’s 400+ years of history, particularly focusing on the Irish-American experience and St. Mary’s Parish history. He is also a proud member of Knights of Columbus #674 and the New Jersey Irish Society. Patrick is employed by the Folsom School District in Folsom, NJ, where he continues to impact his community through education and service.
Join us in celebrating Grand Marshal Patrick Ward and the incredible legacy of the Ward Family at the 10th Annual Gloucester City St. Patrick’s Parade!