G. Emil Ward, Esq.

G. Emil Ward, Esq.
March 6, 1947 – February 3, 2025
Born in Yeadon, PA on March 6, 1947
Undergraduate, Dickinson College
J.D., Northeastern University School of Law

G. Emil Ward passed away after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Diagnosed in November 2021, Emil fought with unwavering determination, facing every challenge head-on. He believed deeply that knowledge and purpose were the keys to making it through another day.
Throughout his fight, Emil remained focused on finding a cure and living for the people he loved—his family and friends.
Emil was surrounded by love in his final moments, with Maureen Haley, the second love of his life, by his side. Emil and Maureen met in July 2021, just before his diagnosis. Despite the tough road ahead, they became inseparable, facing every hurdle together with a bond that only grew stronger.
Born and raised in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, Emil often spoke fondly of his childhood days in Wildwood, New Jersey, and the support of his parents, Nevada M. Ward and Dr. George W. Ward, along with his siblings—Michael M. Ward, Pier D. Ward, and Nadja N. Ward. Emil’s love of travel took him around the world, with Nepal holding a special place in his heart. He also enjoyed his time in Germany, where he not only learned the language but would often translate old war films—one of his favorite genres—for his son and daughter.
Emil was a proud graduate of Dickinson College, where he earned a degree in Biology, before attending Northeastern University School of Law. Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1979, Emil built a distinguished career as an attorney, specializing in Landlord-Tenant Law. Known for his tireless work ethic, Emil tackled even the most complex cases with dedication and precision, never settling for anything less than excellence. That same commitment to quality carried him through his final days.
In 1996, Emil published Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Practice: Law Forms, followed by Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Practice: Law and Forms – Security Deposit and Last Month’s Rent in 2011. He also taught at Suffolk Law School and Boston University’s Paralegal School, sharing his expertise with the next generation of legal professionals. Emil frequently lent his knowledge to the Massachusetts legislature and consulted with the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. His insights were valued on numerous radio stations, including WBZ, where he discussed dispute resolution on behalf of the Real Estate Bar Association.
Emil cherished spending time with his two children, Leland (36) and Caitlin (34), and his former wife Nancy Ward. Family vacations, particularly to places like Aruba, Bermuda, Martha’s Vineyard, and Rockport, Massachusetts, were some of his favorite memories. Emil had a refined love for Scottish Shortbread Butter Cookies and a fine bottle of Scotch, and he never missed an opportunity to challenge his kids in a competitive game of Monopoly.

In his later years, Emil embraced new hobbies, trying his hand at dance, golf, rowing, and more. He loved exploring new adventures with Maureen, including traveling to Paris—a place that captured his imagination.
Emil leaves behind his two children, Leland Ward and wife Elizabeth and granddaughter Ella, Caitlin Ward and her fiancé Darrell, and his extended family—nephew Michael Motley, nieces Chyna Lyles and Roniqua Cahvious, and his siblings Michael, Pier, and Nadja. Above all, he leaves behind Maureen Haley, the woman who stood by him through it all, offering her unwavering love and support to the very end.
Emil’s legacy of strength, determination, and love for those closest to him will never be forgotten.

Visiting Hours in the Lehman Reen & McNamara Funeral Home 63 Chestnut Hill Ave (nr Brighton Courthouse) BRIGHTON on Thursday February 13th from 3-5pm.  Followed by a Prayer Service at 5pm.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.  For directions and guest book please visit www.lehmanreen.com

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