Joseph G. Howard, of Rochester, beloved husband of Elaine M. (Nihill) Howard, died peacefully on May 7, 2019 at the age of 73. He was the loving and proud father of Jillian Barthel and her husband Matthew of Weymouth.
Joe was born in Brockton and raised in New Bedford, before moving to Rochester in 1976. He graduated from New Bedford High School in 1963, enlisting in the United States Air Force and serving in Vietnam. Joe worked at United Parcel Service for over 34 years, earning safe driving awards throughout his career.
Joe was preceded in death by his father Walter and mother Dorothy (Loan) Howard, siblings Frances Barbero and Michael and brothers-in-law John Majkut and Robert Nihill. He was the brother of Mary Majkut, Nancy LeBlanc (Raymond) and Walter (Alice) and brother-in-law of Nancy Munson (Richard), David Nihill (Margaret), Deborah Baumgarten (Samuel), Alan Nihill (Janet) and Suzanne Howard. Joe was also a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews, always the “go-to” guy for advice or a great conversation.
In his retirement, Joe enjoyed fishing, kayaking, crossword puzzles and relaxing outdoors. He especially cherished spending time with his family and friends.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and Plymouth.
Visiting hours will be held at Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10th. His Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 11th at St. Rose of Lima Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Center Cemetery in Rochester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.