Roger Coursen Ward ’44

He lived in Maplewood, N.J., and dedicated his working lifetime to the law — and loved it.  

Born in Newark, he was the son of Waldron Ward 1907, an attorney, and the former Aline Coursen. He prepped at Exeter, participating in journalism, dramatics, and sports. At Princeton, Roge majored in economics, and was vice president of Cloister Club and a member of Whig-Clio. His roommates included Don Scott.  

He graduated in 1943, served three years with the Navy on escort sea duty, and received his law degree from Columbia in 1949. Roger served as law clerk for six months with future U.S. Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan when Brennan was on the New Jersey Supreme Court, then spent 43 years with the law firm of Pitney, Hardin & Ward in Newark.  

Retiring in 1992, he joined a small firm in Montclair. In the 1950s, Roge was state chairman of New Jersey Youth for Eisenhower.  

Roge was predeceased by his brothers, Waldron Jr. ’36 and John Ward. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Katharine Stevens; sons Alexander M. ’75 *78 and James O. ’77; and a sister, Aileen Ward. Our condolences go to all.