GLOUCESTER: Donald F. Howard, Sr., 97, passed away on February 11, 2013 at the Golden Living Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of the late Elizabeth M. (Holmes) Howard, who passed away in 1986. They had shared 44 years of marriage.
Born on Bond Street, “the other side of the cut,” in Gloucester on January 8, 1916, he was the son of the late William J. and Mabel (Smith) Howard. In his youth, he played the violin, became an avid reader, played high school football and loved to cook. Sunday dinners were his favorite.
In December of 1942 he married Elizabeth and immediately shipped out to boot camp. During WWII he was stationed in India. Upon his return home in 1946, he and Elizabeth started their family together.
He accomplished much in his lifetime. He was a loyal son, supportive and generous brother, a loving and compassionate husband and a warm, loving supportive father to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an accomplished and successful contractor and carpenter on Cape Ann, where he established Howard Brothers Builders in 1949. He took great pride in the houses he built, as well as the relationships he forged along the way.
Donald was a man of great integrity, with a unique sense of humor. He was well noted for his wit and his way with words. He lived a long, full and successful life and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will continue to carry the torch that he lit.
Donald leaves behind a son, Dennis and his wife, Evelyn; two daughters, Catherine and her husband, David Trooper and Susan and her husband, Peter Kazmier; daughter-in-law, Grace Howard Benson; brother, Eugene Howard; sister-in-law, Sarah and her husband, Edward Turner; grandchildren, David Howard and his fiancée, Sue Christino, Gwendolyn and her husband, Gary Bachinsky, Jon Howard and his wife, Rachel, James Howard, Joshua Concors and his partner, Julie Cluny, Jessica and her husband, David LaCorte, Peter R. Kazmier and his wife, Darrah and Keith Kazmier and his wife, Susan; eight great-grandchildren; nephew, Bill Howard and his partner, Brenda Cooper; niece, Kate and her husband, Dave Willwerth and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by his son, Donald F. Howard, Jr.; sister, Dorothy Scott and brothers, John Smith and William and Russell Howard.
His services will be held on Friday, February 15, at the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday evening from 5 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington Street, Gloucester.