Captain Ward Boston, Jr. longtime Coronado, California resident died on June 12th, after a short term illness at the Coronado Hospital. At the time of his passing, Ward was in the comfort of his beloved wife, Emma and his loving family.
Ward was born in Moberly, Missouri on June 21, 1923, and was the only son of Ward and Margaret Boston. Prior to World War II, Ward had received a scholarship to study oboe at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, however his life took a detour when World War II was declared. At nineteen (19) years old Ward entered flight school as an aviation cadet. It was in Pensacola, Florida, where he earned his flight wings, and joined the war efforts to preserve America’s freedom. He will be remembered as one who belonged in the group called our "Greatest Generation".
At the beginning of World War II, Ward entered the Naval Service and became a "F6F" fighter pilot in the Pacific fleet. Ward also was on combat duty on USS Yorktown, and also flew "Hellcats" and "Corsairs" off of two Jeep Carriers and two CVL Carriers including USS Midway in the Atlantic Fleet. Ward’s flight crew soon referred to him as "Blackie", a nickname that followed him through his life span.
After World War II, Ward received his Bachelor of Art and Jurors Doctoral Degrees from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Ward also passed the Virginia State Bar, while still attending Law School, and subsequently practiced law in the "Law Firm of Richardson & Boston" in Williamsburg, Virginia. Shortly after World War II ended, Ward continued to fly as a "Weekend Warrior" and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. While stationed in Norfolk he met and married his beloved wife Emma Penello.
Ward then accepted an appointment as a "Special Agent" for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and after graduating from the FBI Academy he was assigned and served in San Francisco and Los Angles.
Shortly after the Korean War commenced, Ward returned to active duty in the regular Navy as a Judge Advocate lawyer. Upon retirement, Ward had completed thirty-four (34) and a half years of duty. At the time of his retirement, Ward was the senior Captain in the Naval Service.
Ward was a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and did graduate law studies at George Washington University. During Ward’s long and devoted Naval Service career Ward received sixteen (16) combat decorations, awards and citations.
Ward and his wife Emma retired to Coronado in 1975 to enjoy their retirement years. However, throughout Ward’s career; they had many tours of duty in Coronado that began in 1953 and continue until they made Coronado their permanent home. After Ward retired many longtime residents and friends came to know and enjoy Ward’s talents, outgoing personality and expertise with civic and legal issues. Ward became active in the Al Bahr Shrine Oriental Band and the Coronado Optimist Club where he held "official club titles". Additionally, he was a member and Officer of the Coronado "Roundtable", and served as the Assistant President for the Grand Jury. Ward also held the title of President of the Silver Strand Chapter of the Retired Officers Association, and he was a member and served in the San Diego Chapter of the Society for former FBI agents. Ward was instrumental in the organization of this FBI Chapter and held a position as an Officer. Ward was very active in the "Hammer Club" and the "Unconcerned Citizens" of Coronado. For thirty years (30) he was a weekly volunteer at the San Diego Aerospace Museum and a "Senior Volunteer Patrolman" for the Coronado Police Department.
Within the last few years, Ward had become instrumental in the investigation and uncovering the facts behind USS Liberty and the 1968 historical implications of his and the late Admiral Isaac Kidd, investigation as "Senior Judge Advocate" for the Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy. Ward has always been and was an advocate for the survivors of USS Liberty as well as those who were lost at sea.
Ward and his beloved wife, Emma loved Coronado since four generations of his family resided on Coronado Island. Ward’s late parents home, the "Pickford-Boston House" was designated a Coronado Historic Landmark in 1981.
Ward is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years who resides in Coronado. Three children: Anne Boston Parish of Alexandria, Virginia, Ward Boston, III and his wife Maryanne of Saint Petersburg, Florida, and Geoffrey Daniel Boston of Park City, Utah.
He is additionally survived by six grandchildren: Daniel Ward Boston, Jennifer Parish Wallace and her husband, John, Christopher Miller Boston, George Rod Parish, IV, Emma Jane Boston and Tyler Geoffrey Boston. Additionally, Ward is survived by his sister-in law, Anne Jenkins of Norfolk, Virginia.
On June 24th, at 1p.m. Ward will be interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Point Loma with full military honors. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Ward wished to have all donations made to the Disabled American Veterans.