Brian Joseph Ward, 47, passed away on Thursday, January 28, at his home in Manteca of heart disease.  

Born in Castro Valley, he was a resident of Manteca for 20 years and attended St. Anthony’s Church. He had previously lived in Hayward, CA, and was a member of St. Clement’s Parish. He attended St. Clement’s grammar school, Moreau High School, Hayward High School and Chabot College.  He was employed as a forklift driver in distribution warehouses in both Hayward and Manteca.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, James E. Ward Jr.  He is survived by his mother, M. Leona Ward of Manteca; siblings James E. Ward III and wife Clarice A. of Manteca, Kevin L. Ward of Manteca, Michelle A. Wood of Foothill Ranch, Suzanne M. Ward of Manteca, Michael P. Ward of Manteca, and Carolyn L. Girado and husband Oscar D. of Roseville; nephews, James E. Ward IV of Stockton, Sean F. Ward of Manteca, Douglas M. Wood III of Foothill Ranch, Matthew A. Wood of Foothill Ranch, Samuel M. Ward of Manteca; nieces, Lauren M. Palmer of Manteca and Katherine M. Wood of Foothill Ranch, as well as numerous cousins.

Brian will be fondly remembered by his entire family and many friends.  Brian’s life will be celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, February 5, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 525 E. North Street, Manteca. Interment will take place at a later date.  Remembrances can be made to St. Anthony’s School or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Arrangements are being handled by Park View Funeral Home, 3661 E. French Camp Road, Manteca.