Shawn Michael Ward, 70, of Binghamton, New York, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Born on October 10, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, Shawn was raised in upstate New York, where he grew up in the Catholic faith and served as an altar boy at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Vestal, New York. He was a good student and grew up in a home filled with music, creativity, and strong family life.

Music was a constant presence in Shawn's early years. As a teenager, he played the drums and enjoyed creating music with his brothers. He loved attending concerts with his family and carried that love of music with him throughout his life. Shawn also enjoyed the outdoors and found simple pleasure in activities such as sailing with his family and camping.

Shawn lived most of his adult life in Binghamton, which remained his home for many years. He was a gentle and kind-hearted man, known especially for his generosity. He had a natural concern for others and would readily give whatever he had to someone in need. Those who knew him often described him as sincere, warm, and quietly good.

He was also deeply creative and artistically gifted. Shawn had a remarkable talent for drawing and painting, with a strong eye for detail and form. His artwork reflected patience, sensitivity, and a genuine love of beauty.

Shawn never married, but he was deeply loved by his family and will be remembered with great affection for his kindness, creativity, and humanity.

Shawn was predeceased by his brother Kevin Joseph Ward, and by his parents Harold "Pete" Ward and Dolores "Natasha" Ward. He is survived by his siblings Daniel (Lisa) Ward of Springboro, Ohio; Timothy (Hidemi) Ward of Misawa, Japan; Casey (Ae Hwa) Ward of Loma Linda, California; and Maura (Stuart) Wright of Longmont, Colorado, as well as a large and loving extended family.

A Catholic Funeral Mass and burial will be held later this year. Details regarding the church, date, and time will be announced when finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Shawn's name to either of the following:

Catholic Charities of Broome County, in support of its mental health services, including the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team; or

Greater Binghamton Health Center Auxiliary, 425 Robinson Street, Binghamton, NY 13904. Funds donated will be allocated to patient holiday and special activity funds.

May he rest in the peace of Christ, and may perpetual light shine upon him.