Sibley Logan Ward III

February 18, 1939 – July 23, 2024

Sibley “Sam” Ward, a long-time resident of Coronado, CA died on July 23, 2024. His wife of 64 years was by his side. Sam (Chiefie) was born to a Navy family, in Bremerton, WA in 1939. He graduated from Coronado High School in 1956, before attending the U. S. Naval Academy, Class of 1960. He and Susan Schade, CHS sweethearts, married that June. Upon commissioning, Admiral Rickover personally selected him to begin training in the Navy Nuclear Power program. Impressively, he proceeded to Harvard for a Masters in 1967.

His Navy career included Regulus missile submarine patrols while serving on the USS Halibut, Baltic Sea cold war patrols as engineer on USS Skate, and as Executive Officer (XO) on USS Hammerhead. As XO, he navigated to the North Pole with periscope celestial navigation and was awarded the first of 6 Legions of Merit for doing so. He assumed command of USS Archerfish and was respected and beloved by his shipmates. Later, he was Commodore of the DEVRON 12 Submarine Squadron, and then Commanding Officer of the Submarine School in Groton, CT. He concluded his 26-year naval career as the first Submariner to be Chief of Staff of a surface Carrier Group (CARGRU 12). Upon retirement as a Captain, he had a successful career in business, eventually retiring as Vice President of Program Managers with SAIC in San Diego.

Chiefie/Sam was active in the Episcopal Church, serving as a leader of Stewardship and Planned Giving as well as Senior Warden in three different parishes, including Christ Church, Coronado.

He remained committed to the Navy community until his death and was an active member of the Naval Submarine League Pacific Southwest Chapter, also serving as president for many years.

An avid singer, Sam enjoyed many years in the San Diego Master Chorale, and served as President for several years. A frustrated tenor, his rich baritone was always appreciated.

Sam is survived by his sister, Laurie, and brother, Keno; his wife Susan Schade Ward and his four children Rita Fucella (Joe), Rebecca Ward, Renée Farnham (Austin), and Rodney Ward (Erica), 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM, Christ Church, Coronado, CA with internment in the memorial garden to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the following organizations, which Sam faithfully supported: United Negro College Fund, Coronado Hospital Foundation, and the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation.

Service Information:

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 7 @ 2 PM at Christ Church, Coronado, CA with internment in the memorial garden immediately afterwards. A reception will follow in Hinde Hall.

Live Stream:

https://www.christchurchcoronado.org/grow-learn/christ-church-live-stream/