Domenic A. Howe, Sr.

Calling hours will be held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Thursday, October 20 from 4-7pm. A prayer service will be held at 6:30pm. Burial will be held privately. Flowers and plants are welcomed, as Domenic loved flowers and gardens.



Domenic A. Howe, 86, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2022. Born on February 25, 1936, in Fitchburg to the late Stanley, Sr., and Mary (Vergari) Howe, Domenic attended Fitchburg Public Schools and served his country in the U.S. Army 76th Airborne Tank Battalion. Following military service, he worked on the grounds at the former Fort Devens Army Base for 37 years, where he was known as “Mr. Fort Devens” by his colleagues and friends. Domenic took great pride in his work at Fort Devens, often bragging to friends that he and “only six other guys” took care of the entire post. While at Fort Devens, he helped restore the Sweetheart Memorial and created the topiary that spelled out “Fort Devens” at Jackson Gate, which greeted all base visitors. Fort Devens presented him with the Department of the Army Commander’s Award for Civilian Service in recognition of his work. He also received the prestigious Department of Army Certificate of Achievement, presented to him by Colonel Edward R. Nuttall, for career excellence and for providing a highly maintained base landscape enjoyed by residents, employees, and visitors alike. Domenic also applied that green thumb to his family home, where neighbors and friends marveled at his green lawn and beautiful flowers. Most happy spending time at home in his yard and driving his tractor, Domenic loved showing visitors his yard, toy hutch, and his basement, which served as a meeting place for his family’s annual New Year’s Day gatherings. His annual Labor Day lobster bakes were a family favorite, as were the many times spent around the kitchen table where Domenic provided his years of wisdom and knowledge over coffee. He also cherished many trips to the casino with his wife. Domenic leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Ann (Buckwalter) Howe of Fitchburg and Philadelphia, PA; children, Donna Uusitalo and husband, Eric of Fitchburg; Leslie Capone and husband, Scott of Westminster; Domenic Howe, Jr., and fiancé Patti Devine, who provided care for him, of Fitchburg; Tracey Howe, who shared a home with him and who cared for him with unwavering love and dedication; and Jeffrey Howe and wife, Lauren of Leominster. Grandchildren Caitlyn Uusitalo and partner, Michael Schultz of Medina, New York; Jordan Uusitalo and wife, Anna of Jaffrey, NH; Christopher Capone and wife Hollie of Phillipston; Andrew Capone of Ayer; Justin Capone and partner, Samantha Petracca of Waltham; Matthew Howe and Maggie Howe of Fitchburg; and Francesca Howe and Gracie Petit of Leominster. Great-grandchildren Jax Schultz, Olivia Uusitalo, Eliza Capone, and a great-grandchild due in the spring. Domenic also leaves behind his sister, Virginia Gaudet of Fitchburg, and was predeceased by his brothers, Ralph and Stanley Howe, Jr., and sister Olga Julius. He was also predeceased by his canine companion, Charlie. The family extends their immense gratitude to Angela Doiron of Fitchburg, who cared for him in his final months and days, and those from the VNA Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassion and care. Through the loving care of his five children, Domenic was able to leave this world in the comfort of his home.