Richard P. Howe

Richard P. Howe, age 71 of Maynard, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at the Boston VA Healthcare Facility.

Born on June 9, 1938 in Presque Isle, Maine, he was the son of the late Edward A. and Katherine E. (Plummer) Howe.

Raised and educated in Presque Isle, Maine, Mr. Howe graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1956 and attended and graduated from Norwich University in 1960, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Management. He later completed postgraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Kansas State University and studies in Education from American University, plus courses at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA and at many Army Logistics and Management schools.

A highly decorated and proud U.S Army Vietnam Veteran, Mr. Howe gratefully served his country from 1961-1972, volunteering for two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his military service, he earned both Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and numerous others.

His distinguished professional career included Chief of Manpower & Force Structure at Fort Devens from 1972 through his retirement in 1993, earning the Commander’s Award for Exceptional Civilian Service, at which time he was also an Instructor of Management Theory at Mount Wachusett Community College. Upon his retirement from the U.S. Government, he worked as Department Manager for Mass Hardware in Acton, Business Manager for Regan’s Management and Leigh Enterprises LTD, both of Concord, and Sales Associate at Aubuchon Hardware in Maynard.

A champion for the underdog, always making life better for those around him, Mr. Howe was continuously active in many local and civic organizations during his lifetime. He was President/Founder of the Norwich University Alumni Club of Central MA; Director, Shady Grove Coffeehouse in Harvard, MA; Secretary, First Parish Unitarian Church of Harvard, MA; President, Federal Management Analysts Association of NE; Member, Boston Federal Executive Board and Harvard Arts Lottery Council; President, Devens Toastmasters; Area Governor, Toastmasters International; Director, Norwich University Alumni Association Board of Directors (Vice President 2002 – 2006); Commander, American Legion Post 284; Director, Rotary Club of Concord; Founding Sponsor, National Museum of the United States Army; Wilder Lodge F&AM (Leominster, MA); and Life Member of American Legion Post 284 (Acton, MA), Disabled American Veterans (Boston, MA), Military Order of the Purple Heart (Spring- field, VA), Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 116 (Leominster, MA), Association of the United States Army (Minuteman Chapter, Lowell, MA), Combat Infantrymen’s Association (Ashville, NC), & Disabled Veterans of America (Boston , MA). At the University’s 2009 Homecoming Celebration, he received the Norwich University Alumni Association’s “Alumni Director’s Award,” with resounding applause from his family and several generations of Norwich alums.

In his earlier days, he ran the Boston Marathon 4 times and during his spare time following retirement, Mr. Howe enjoyed extended vacations in St. Lucia as well as many cruises to sunny spots in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, the Panama Canal, South America, and Hawaii. He was well known for his patriotic spirit and community support, living each day fully, inspiring those who loved and knew him. He was a gentle and loyal friend, a man of amazing depth, strength, and capacity to love. A true Rotarian, his was a life of service above self.

He is survived by the love of his life, Anne Huckins Wilson, and their family: Jamie, Norb, Spencer, and Delaney Gravelle, as well as numerous friends, colleagues, fellow veterans, his Norwich family and the VA healthcare professionals who gave their all during his valiant battle against cancer.

Concord's town flag was lowered to half-staff on Saturday, June 4, 2010 in honor of Mr. Howe's service to his country in the United States Army.


VISITING HOURS
Friday - June 4, 2010 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
CONCORD FUNERAL HOME
74 Belknap Street
Concord, MA 01742

INTERMENT
Saturday - June 5, 2010 - 11:00 a.m.
Hillcrest Park Cemetery
Springfield, MA
United States Army Military Honors

GIFTS IN HIS NAME MAY BE MADE TO:
Class of 1960 - College Scholarship Fund
c/o Norwich University
158 Harmon Drive
Northfield, VT 05663-1035

or

The Concord Rotary Charitable Endowment Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 455
Concord, MA 01742


Arrangements under the care of Glenn D. Burlamachi
Concord Funeral Home
74 Belknap Street
Concord, MA 01742
978-369-3388


Proud to be family owned, operated and occupied since 1936