In Memory of Steven Ward: Help Us Honor Him

It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone we love, but it’s in moments like this that we remember not only the person we’ve lost but the impact they’ve had on our lives.

Our dad was a man who truly defined what it meant to be a great father. To me and my siblings, he wasn’t just a dad—he was a teacher, a friend, and a constant source of love and support. There wasn’t a day that went by where we didn’t feel his care, his presence, and his unwavering belief in us.

One of the things I’ll always cherish about him is his sense of humor. He loved to joke around, especially when it came to politics. It didn’t matter what side of the aisle you were on—our dad always had a way of keeping things light, offering advice wrapped in humor, and making sure we didn’t take life too seriously. Even in the toughest moments, he knew how to make us smile, and that’s a gift we will cherish forever.

Our dad was also a man of wisdom. He had this way of giving advice that wasn’t just practical but always came with a dose of love and perspective. He taught us how to approach life with patience and kindness, how to stand up for what’s right, and how to be there for the people we care about. His words were always thoughtful and never hurried. I know that all of us, his children, took something important from the lessons he shared with us.

One of the things that stands out most about our dad is how much he valued relationships—whether it was with his family, friends, or the people in his community. He had a way of making everyone feel special, and his kindness never went unnoticed. He had many friends, all of whom felt deeply blessed to know him. He was always there for others, offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement.

Our dad was also a man of simple joys. He had a favorite color—purple—and he wore it PROUDLY, a color that I think represents his vibrant personality and his zest for life. I remember seeing him wear purple shirts, hats, and jackets, always with a smile, like he was sharing a secret with the world. Even in the smallest things, he had a way of standing out and making life a little brighter for everyone around him.

Born on September 19th, our dad lived his life with purpose, with passion, and with a deep love for the people he held dear. Whether in Sacramento, where he spent most of his life, or wherever his journey took him, he left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire us.

Our dad's legacy isn’t just in the advice he gave, the laughter he shared, or the love he offered—his legacy lives on in all of us. As his children, we carry with us his values, his humor, and his love. We’ll continue to make him proud by living our lives with the same compassion, wisdom, and joy that he showed us every day.

Dad, thank you for being the incredible man you were. Thank you for being our rock, our teacher, and our biggest supporter. We’ll miss you more than words can express, but we will carry your spirit with us, always.

Rest in peace, Dad. Your kids love you and will miss you.

-Chris (29), Anjelo (25), Vincent (24), Corina (23), Santino (19)

We are devastated by the unexpected loss of our dad, and in this difficult time, we are reaching out for support to help cover the funeral expenses. As this loss came suddenly, we are facing unplanned financial burdens, and any contribution would greatly ease the strain during this challenging period. We appreciate all the love, prayers, and support we have received and are grateful for any help you can provide to honor our dad's memory and give them the farewell they deserve. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.