Arnold "A.J." Ward was born on October 16, 1983 at Einstein Hospital in The Bronx to Arnold Ward and Patricia Ward. On November 8, 2025, God chose to open the door and reveal the stairway to heaven.

A.J. moved to Wallkill, New York early in life, where he completed high school in 2001 graduating from Wallkill Senior High. Shortly thereafter, on October 15, 2001, he enlisted in the United States Airforce where he was a Fuel Systems Operator and rose to the rank of Staff Sargeant.

Moving to Wallkill proved to be fateful as that is where he met his soulmate and life's partner, Tina Ortiz. Arnold had many titles, grandson, son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend, but no title was more important to him than the title of Dad. Arnold was devoted to his family. He was protective, generous and yes, sometimes even stubborn. As a friend he was sociable and dependable. A.J. impacted many lives. He was such a presence. When he entered the room, you knew good things were about to happen.

His children meant everything to him. Although he was taken from them way too soon, we are thankful for all the great memories they have to hold onto. They will always remember their Dad, King of the Grill, red solo cup in hand, in total control and all the fun that went with it. Any family gathering with their Dad became a party and as he would always say " we outside " . Let us not forget that laugh. Speaking with family and friends this past week, time and time again, his laugh was mentioned and how we can still hear it as we think of him.

Arnold aka Streets was an avid bike rider.  His passion for riding began when Tina took him to get his first bike, he was 17. In 2017 he became a member of LOD. His love for riding continued to grow and in Orlando, his mentorship and leadership elevated him to the position of VP.

The loss of Arnold has touched us all more deeply than anyone could imagine, but he leaves a legacy that will flourish.

Miriam Ortiz, Tina's mother, passed away this Spring. She will be waiting at the Stairway to welcome Arnold into eternal peace.

A.J. is survived by his beloved Tina, their four children, Briyan, Ayannah, Marcus, and Antonio, his parents, Arnold and Patricia Ward, his grandmother Virginia Brown, his brother Christopher Ward, his Aunt Linda Kinloch-Jennings and her husband Dwight, his Uncle Kevin Brown and his wife Cheryl, Uncle Donald Ward and Aunt Saundra Ward, Tina's Father, Orlando Ortiz, sisters Ledis, Erica and Priscilla Ortiz, brothers Orlando and Juan Ortiz. Many, many nieces and nephews. May Arnold's light forever shine bright.