John Howard

 



John Howard, 64 of Leominster, MA passed suddenly on November 12th, following complications from a recent stroke. John leaves his leading lady of 35 years, Barbara (Hammond); son Michael and fiancee Meghan Hume, son Justin and fiancee Kate Miller, and son Kevin; his canine companion Buddy; and a multitude of family and friends. He is predeceased by his father Richard Howard, mother Julia Howard and nephew Mark Cronin, Jr.  John wore many hats in his lifetime: husband, father, son, brother, veteran, mentor and friend. John grew up in Worcester, MA where he excelled as the quintessential natural athlete; from little league baseball through high school basketball, he dominated on the court and on the fields. As a young man he enlisted in the US Marines where he served his country with honor and respect. After fulfilling his military duties, John settled back in Central Mass and started his family with wife Barbara. He was her lifetime companion, friend, lover (and yes, sometimes argumentative tormentor), through thick and thin, for better or worse and in sickness and in health. He was a dedicated father, who loved watching his three sons grow up; their childhood was full of great times canoeing & fishing on their family pond, golfing and playing ball. John’s passions included furniture restoration, fishery, bow hunting , knife throwing and he had recently begun to master metalwork. Every interest John had he would avidly research so he could back up his opinions with facts. John was committed to his family and friends, always willing to lend a helping hand (and a strong opinion or two) to anyone in need. Most of all, John’s larger than life personality brought tremendous fun to any room he entered. His quick wit, comical demeanor and sarcastic humor always brought a smile to those who knew and loved him well. There’s an empty chair at home and an even emptier hole in the hearts of his family and friends but his memory will live on.