Cleveland Heights School Closings

Bedford schools will be closed Monday so students, staff and administrators can attend the funeral of principal Paul Ward Jr. (Bedford City Schools)

Paul Ward Jr.Bedford City Schools

BEDFORD, Ohio - Bedford schools will be closed Monday so students, staff and administrators can attend the funeral of Carylwood Intermediate School Principal Paul Ward Jr., who died Monday night while at a cycling class.

"The Bedford school district and Community is still trying to process the sudden loss, " wrote parent Jackie Steward in an email. "Parents received an automated call on Monday at 6 p.m. from Mr. Ward, then to learn that he passed away a few hours later is shocking."

Ward, 46, is survived by his wife Nicole, sons Paul III and Denzel, and his mother Geneva.

Ward, of Macedonia, played basketball at Cleveland Heights High School and graduated from the University of Cincinnati. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves.

Calling hours are 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home, 25900 Emery Road, Warrensville Heights.

Services will be held Monday, May 9, at Mt. Zion Church, 1 Mt. Zion Circle, Oakwood. The wake will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. followed by an Omega Psi Phi memorial service from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The funeral service will begin at noon.