Walter Ward (1911 - 1994) was a member of the New York City Council for a quarter of a century, serving 13 terms from 1968 until 1993, representing the 32nd District which encompassed Howard Beach, Broad Channel, the Rockaways, Ozone Park, and South Ozone Park.

Born in Brooklyn, Ward studied at the Dale Carnegie Institute before establishing his business, the Ward Advertising Company, which specialized in outdoor signs. He sold the business in 1971 to devote himself solely to representing the 32nd district of the City Council, where he fought for clean beaches and against airplane noise. Ward became chair of the City Council Committee of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and a member of the Education, Finance, Youth Service and General Welfare committees. Ward served as a Democratic elector for New York State in the 1960 presidential election, helping to cast a winning vote electoral vote for John F. Kennedy.

Towards the end of his tenure, Ward was the oldest member of the legislative body, and had earned the unofficial title "Dean of the Council." After losing his bid for a 13th term in 1993, Mr. Ward continued to serve as a Democratic district leader in Queens. In addition to his political activities, Ward served on various community boards and organizations, such as the 101st Precinct Community and Youth Council, the Ozone Howard Little League, and the Wyckoff Heights Hospital Advisory Board.