He was born on Nov. 16, 1921, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to Lehman and Eleanor (Calhoon) Howard, and married Jeanne Frances Ryan on July 13, 1953. Tom was a graduate of King’s Point Merchant Marine Academy in 1944 and served his country during World War II in the Merchant Marines.
Tom retired from Gulf Oil in 1982, where he had worked as first assistant engineer in the deep water gulf tanker fleet for many years.
He loved his family and was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his lifelong devotion to his wife and family, Tom found time to volunteer for many worthy causes.
After his retirement, he and Jeanne spent a year volunteering at the Covenant House in New York City, a shelter for homeless, runaway and abandoned youths. They also lived in Poughkeepsie, New York, where they were house parents in a shelter for unwed mothers. Together they cared for, parented and fed the mothers and children.
Tom was dearly loved by his family, friends and neighbors and was a regular fixture around Old Orchard Beach where he lived for the past 20 years.
He is survived by: his children, Michael J. Howard (Sandra Hill) of Danville, California, and Mary J. Waters of Hollis Center; five grandchildren, Christine (Ken), Ryan, Sean (Emily), Elizabeth and Matthew (Vanessa); and two great-grandsons, Stark Sloan Whitney and Leighton Thomas Howard.
He was preceded in death by: his wife, Jeanne; his parents; and his brother, James.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Seal Rock Healthcare for their care, kindness and respect.
Donations in lieu of flowers should be sent to the ASPCA or to: Resident Council Fund, Seal Rock, 88 Harbor Drive, Saco, Maine 04072.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.