Edward Michael "Mike" Ward

Edward Michael “Mike” Ward, 64, of Harrodsburg, Kentucky passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025. He was born to the late Sampson Edward Ward and Ruby Louise Pack Ward on July 9, 1960 in Mount Kisco, New York. Mike was a member of the Christian faith. 

Mike was a man who served his community deeply. He became a volunteer firefighter at 18 years old. His early years of service also included working as a dispatcher in Westchester County, New York. After graduating from the police academy, he began a successful career in law enforcement in New Milford, Connecticut. He rose from the position of officer to detective and retired from the New Milford Police Department after 22 years of service. 

His dedication to protecting the community continued after serving in the police department. He worked especially hard at trying to solve missing persons cases in his retirement. 

Mike made friends everywhere he lived. He loved music and was a drummer in many bands through the years. He enjoyed roller skating during his younger years. Mike was very handy and was skilled in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.  

One of Mike’s most positive traits was helping people. He regularly stopped to assist police officers and other first responders. He also was the guy friends and family leaned on for advice at important moments in their lives. Mike will be dearly missed.   

Mike is survived by the love of his life Elizabeth A. “Liz” Saleski of Georgetown, Kentucky; his son Michael Sean “Mike” (Amanda) Ward and their son Sean Jameson Ward, all of Connecticut; Liz’s sons and grandsons, whom he loved like his own: her sons, Jared and Zachery of Ohio and her grandsons, Connor and Killian of Ohio; his sisters, Linda (David) Ruckedeshel of Syracuse, New York, Candis Nakos of Ocean, New Jersey, and Cindy Ericks of Tallahassee, Florida; his nephew Michael Ericks of Alabama; and countless close friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Peter Nakos. 

His celebration of life services will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Clark Legacy Center-Brannon Crossing, Nicholasville, Kentucky: visitation from 2:00 until 4:00 pm; the funeral at 4:00 pm; a gathering with refreshments will begin at 5:00 pm. 

To make a donation in Mike's memory, send an email to the following address: [email protected].