Morton (Avery) Ward

Morton Avery Ward, 90, of West Hartford, cherished father and grandfather, died peacefully and surrounded by love on Friday, September 8, 2017, at St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center. Mort was predeceased by his treasured wife of 53 years, Beatrice (Hurwitz) Ward. Born in Hartford, he was the son of the late Harry and Isabella (Rosenfeld) Ward. He graduated from Hartford High School in 1944, served in the U.S. Army at the Norwich Academy in Northfield, Vermont and graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1949 with a B. S. in Business Administration. A lifelong Husky fan, while at UCONN Mort was a member of the varsity basketball team and the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity. Mort founded and served as President of Connecticut Cooling & Heating, Inc. and Total Air Comfort, Inc. (1959 - 1993). He was extremely proud of the success his business achieved as a leader in the installation of innovative air-conditioning systems in both the commercial and residential markets. In business Mort was known for his signature “No Problem” response whenever faced with a difficult challenge. He was a member of Beth El Temple of West Hartford for over 50 years, and a former member of Ados Israel and Beth Sholom Synagogues in Hartford. A Freemason for more than 50 years, he was a member of Sequin-Level Lodge #140. He was also a member of the West Hartford Regents service club. Mort is survived by his daughter, Barbara Ward-Zimmerman and her husband, Paul of Glastonbury; his son, Fred L. Ward of Seattle, WA; his adored granddaughters, Shira and Aliza Zimmerman; his devoted partner Thelma Cohn who brightened the latter years of his life; his attentive caregiver Charles Beyuo; and his niece Bette-Ann Libin. His sister, Elaine Libin, predeceased him. Mort took great joy in his many friendships including his childhood pals from Hartford’s North End, with whom he formed the infamous Hilltoppers, reuniting on Thanksgiving weekend for 70 consecutive years, his college fraternity bothers, and his weekly poker buddies from whom he earned pocket change for over four decades. Mort was grateful to all in his life for making it the rich and wonderful adventure it was.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 11:00 a.m. at the Beth El Temple Cemetery, 51 Jackson St. Extension, Avon with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. Immediately following the service the family will receive relatives and friends at the Beth El Temple (Community Room), 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford, and Shiva will be observed on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the home of Barbara and Paul Zimmerman, 141 Riverview Road, Glastonbury, CT. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford 06117 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241. For further information, directions, or to share memories of Mort with his family please visit online at http://www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm

Service Date: 01/01/1970