On Aug. 21, 2024, Gary “Sergio” Anthony Ward passed away at the age of 53 from a short illness. Ward was a valued member of the Wake Forest family and a key figure in the Winston-Salem Triad community.  

Wake Forest knew Ward as a beloved, light-hearted security officer, but Ward filled his time in many ways outside his duties on campus. Ward was a DJ for Jet Set Jazz Radio, a personal trainer and life coach, an ordained minister and, most importantly, a deeply adored friend. 

“Everyone saw Sergio, but not everyone knows Sergio,” said Carlos Bocanegra, Ward’s close friend and owner of Monstercade Music Venue. 

Bocanegra spoke of the endless stories he had over his decades-long friendship with Ward — from mindlessly meeting at the opening of the Hanes Mall Best Buy in his teens to reuniting years later at a local cigar bar. 

“While Sergio didn’t remember who I was at first all those years later, he was so kind and radiated the most positive energy,” Bocanegra reminisced. “We became best friends almost right away.”

 Bocanegra continued: “Sergio had this strange optimism and unmistakable confidence. Everyone wanted to know what this guy’s deal was. He had a special way of finding a connection point with anyone around him.” 

Bocanegra spoke of the undoubted mark Ward left on any crowd he walked into: in meeting Ward, you always wanted to know more and to know Ward was to love him. 

“I don’t have what he had. No one does. He was simply that guy,” Bocanegra said. 

Ward never did anything half-heartedly. His sociability and infectious character were the pillars of his being, but he was also incredibly committed to his work. 

Derri Stromer, Wake Forest Patrol Major and Ward’s supervisor, remembers Ward’s passion for serving the school. Stromer wrote that “Sergio embodied the true spirit of service. His dedication to his job was unmatched.”

Ward set the standard for loyalty in his workplace. A beacon of true honor, Ward has an unquestionable love for Wake Forest University. 

“He took great pride in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on our campus,” Stormer said. “He approached each task with enthusiasm, and his commitment to doing the job right was unwavering.” 

Aside from work, Stormer reflected that “Sergio was a man of varied passions.” 

These included his love for jazz music, wrestling and fitness. 

“He made working out a priority, inspiring others to take care of their health and well-being,” Stormer said. 

Ward even had a few cats of his own that he loved dearly. 

“He didn’t seem like someone who would own a cat,” Bocanegra laughed. “But one day one cat came along, and that one turned into two, maybe even three.” 

In 2016, Bocanegra jokingly created what he calls a “Sergio shirt.” The name says it all –– the shirt is simply a picture of Ward with “Sergio” written underneath. 

“Sergio was tickled pink by the shirts I made. Whenever our friends wore them, we knew that it would immediately start a conversation,” Bocanegra shared. 

Bocanegra recalled that wearing the shirts and having others in the community recognize the well-known face on the front made for a new kindred experience in the community. Once the shirt was on, there was an instant possibility of making a new friend. 

“That’s how powerful a personality he was,” Bocanegra said. 

Since Ward’s passing, Bocanegra shared that there has been a new influx of shirt requests:  “People want to bring the shirt back, in order to keep his legacy alive.” 

Within the next week, a purchase link will be available for anyone wanting to purchase a “Sergio Shirt.” All proceeds will go to the local animal shelter, signifying Ward’s fondness for the animals in his life. 

Bocanegra remarked that Ward had a personality that made this city different from other places. Those within the community, as well as in the surrounding areas, will not be the same without his impactful presence. 

“There’s no one quite like you, Serge,” Bocanegra said.