The Rev. Walter William Ware, 83, former Episcopal chaplain at Graterford Prison and assistant pastor at the Memorial Church of the Good Shepherd, died Sunday at his church in the East Falls section of the city.

Raised in Media and educated at West Chester State Teachers College, he was graduated from Philadelphia Divinity School and ordained in 1932. His first service as curate was at Christ Church in Media. He was chaplain in the City Mission Society and at Graterford Prison from 1936 to 1952. He was rector at Holy Innocents Church from 1953 to 1968, when he retired and returned to Munich, Germany, to live.

But, associates said, he missed Philadelphia and returned in 1972 to join the staff of Good Shepherd Church.

A service of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. today at his church.