Published February 25, 2008.
WARD, THOMAS
THOMAS WARD Thomas John Ward, 75, of Las Vegas, passed away Feb. 20, 2008. He was born Nov. 30, 1932, in Meadville, Pa. Tom was a 1950 graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School, and a 1954 graduate of Gannon University, both in Erie, Pa. He served in the U.S. Army, 8110 Security Group, AFFE 8th Army during the Korean War. He also served as an adjunct professor at Penn State University, the director of the Meadville, Pennsylvania Redevelopment Authority, and director of the Pennsylvania Industrial Commission for Meadville area. Tom relocated his family to Las Vegas in 1972, and began his new career with Fred Doriot AIA & Associates. He quickly made his mark in the gaming and real estate industries. As founder of Integrated Gaming Systems, he built an expert team to provide training in the field of gaming security. His affiliations in the gaming industry included Bally's, Princess Cruise Lines, the Washington State Gambling Commission, and many other national and international entities. Additionally, Tom was an integral player in the opening of the Maxim Hotel and Casino. Tom's lessons in life were to never lose touch with the young or the aged, because both had ideas and wisdom to share. Throughout his life, he lived in both the world of the young, and the world of the old. He was a friend and counselor to all, and never closed his door to anyone. Tom was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, past Faithful Navigator of Assembly 2820, Charter Member of Catholic War Veterans Post 1947, and life member of American Legion Post 76. Tom was an only child, and was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Berchtold; and his father, John Ward. Tom married Edith Fracassi in 1954. They have four children, Christine Ward, Rozanne Curtis, Anita Ward and Patrick Ward, and two grandchildren, Thomas Ward and Trey Curtis. His family also includes his daughter-in-law, Cheryl Ward; son-in-law, Henry Curtis Jr.; and his extended family, Steve Luedtke, Pat Bertges, Vi Zelenak, Bill Goodwill, Georgie Bush, the Saint Thomas Aquinas Group; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Viewing will be from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, with Rosary at 6:30 p.m., at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, all at St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, Catholic Church, 7260 W. Sahara Ave. Graveside services will be at noon Friday, Feb. 29, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. Donations can be made to Catholic War Veterans Post 1947, 7824 Faith Court, Las Vegas, NV 89131.