Paul R. Howard, age 86, passed away peacefully at the Brentwood Nursing Home on February 14th. Raised in Malden, Somerville and Medford, Paul was the son of the late Charles M. and Margaret M. (Miller) Howard. An outstanding athlete throughout his life, Paul played varsity football and basketball during his years at Somerville High School. He captained the 1955 Basketball team and excelled during the heyday of Somerville’s scholastic sports.
After High School and his time at Providence College, Paul served in the Army during the early phase of the Vietnam War and was part of the mobilization of forces during the 1961 Berlin Crisis. After his honorable discharge, Paul came home and set about building his family. He worked for several years as a milk man with Hood Milk and also was a proud member of the Teamsters. He purchased Jim’s Market on Fulton St. in Medford in 1976. There he and his family turned a simple neighborhood store into a landmark. The offerings at the shop expanded to include subs and the iconic B-Boy. Earning local and national renown the shop has become an integral part of the Medford Community. Paul worked until he reached 80 years old. For many years Paul served as a referee for high school football and basketball, earning the distinction of “Referee of the Year”.
A quiet man by nature, Paul will be remembered for his kindness, his love of sports, his community and especially his family.
The beloved husband of the late Claire Howard (Fitzpatrick), Paul was a devoted father to Paula Howard of Salem, and Joseph Howard of Medford. He was a loving grandfather to Danielle Howard, Justin Howard, Janelle Howard, and the late Billy Howard. Paul was also the dear brother of Joan Larson and Ann Lawson.
A funeral service will be conducted in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Monday, February 20th at 11 AM. Services will conclude with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family on Sunday, 4 - 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Paul’s name to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.