Howard “Howie” Joel Tillman, age 64, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at Baystate Medical Center. He was born on Nov. 3, 1954 in Springfield, a son of the late Irving and Ina (Schned) Tillman. Howard was a graduate of Classical High School, Class of 1972 and North Adams State College. He worked for many years as a social worker. He was an avid sports fan, especially New England Teams, Red Sox, Bruins and Patriots. He is survived by his loving daughters Emily Torcato and her husband Patrick of Chicopee and Jennifer Dumont and her husband Thomas of Windsor, CT; one brother, Lawrence Tillman and his wife Ronnie of Springfield; one sister, Roselle Baxter and her husband Frederic of Springfield; two beloved grandchildren, Thomas Patrick Torcato and James Joel Torcato. He is survived by the mother of his children, Diane F. Tillman of Chicopee. He also leaves his loving nieces, Amy Baxter, Erica Pellegrino, Melissa Huckins and Ilene Tillman. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. Burial will be private at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.