William Jeffery Ward

Beloved husband, teacher, coach and colleague Jeff Ward passed away on January 17, 2023. He is survived by his wife Sherrill Ward whom he called "the love of his life" and best friend. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings Chris (Sandra) Ward, Shelly (Alan) Hinkle, Mike Ward, and Misty (Robert) Palella; sisters-in-law Janet Ward and Marge Ward, brothers-in-law John Gottbehut and Rich (Janie) Reigle, Jr.; father-in-law Richard Reigle, Sr; Aunt Marilyn Terrell; several nephews, nieces, cousins and a special godson. He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Beverly Ward; siblings Carla Gottbehut, Paul Ward, Bart Ward and Robert Ward; Aunts Betty Tretola and Rella Ward; and Uncles Bob Ward and Russell Terrell.
Jeff graduated from Gloversville High School where he excelled in both academics and sports. He spent two years studying engineering at the U.S Coast Guard Academy, before leaving to pursue his passion for teaching and coaching. He received his B.S. in Physical Education from Cortland State, then spent some time subbing in area schools and working at the Tioga County Boys and Girls Club before taking the job at Newark Valley High School. As a Physical Education teacher, coach and Athletic Director, he derived much satisfaction from his opportunities to serve as a mentor and father figure to young individuals. During his years at NVHS, Coach Ward coached almost every sport that existed at the time, including both boys and girls teams. As those close to him know, coaching football was his life. He worked year-round to improve the program and spent time in the summer working with players in the Weight room. Jeff received numerous accolades for his successes in coaching, including many Championship teams and seasons, notably the 1987 undefeated 10-0 football championship season, Football Coach of the Year by local newspapers, NYS Southern Zone Athletic Director of the Year in 1990, Induction into the Section IV Hall of Fame, and Grand Marshall of Homecoming 2017 with recognition by so many former athletes and community members.
Known for his great smile and laughter, Jeff delighted in telling stories about his adventures in hunting and fishing, his short lived boxing career, and previous NV sports seasons. Coach Ward had an uncanny ability to share stories about his previous games with details about players involved, the down on the play, and the time on the clock. His memory was impeccable. Jeff was a wonderful cook and known especially for his shrimp macaroni salad and his Ward casserole. In the words of a former team captain, "The casserole doesnt look real pretty, but it tastes great!" He enjoyed reading thrillers and watching sports on TV. Forever a loving big brother, Jeff enjoyed attending family reunions and going to "salmon camp" with his brother and nephews. Each year he would share his salmon filets with friends and family, and could be seen carrying a large Ziploc bag full of filets into NBT each fall. If you ever asked him how he was doing, his response would be "Happy and peppy, and bursting with love!" Jeff leaves many good memories of his humor, his generosity and his positive spirit.
A Celebration of Jeff's life and time of remembering the special gift he was to all of us  will be held on Sunday, August 20th from 1 - 4 pm at the Hickories Park (Pavilion#4). Donations in his memory may kindly be directed to the Newark Valley Food Pantry (which he loved supporting), the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley is assisting the family. Online memories may be written in Jeffs guestbook at macphersonfh.com