Paul F. Howard, 97, of Whitman, passed away peacefully at home on June 13 surrounded by his loving family.
Paul was a lifelong resident of Whitman. He attended Quincy Trade School and Wentworth Institute.
Paul was a Boy Scout Patrol Leader, member of the CYO and the Whitman Name Society. He was a lifelong communicant of Holy Ghost Parish.
Paul had a distinguished military career in the Army during WWII. After training in South Carolina, he was assigned to the 45th Division as an infantry rifleman. He was wounded in action on December 15th, 1944 in Venefro, Italy and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the European Theater of Operations Medal before being honorably discharged in May of 1945.
Prior to his enlistment, Paul was employed at the Watertown Arsenal and ran a bowling alley in Bridgewater with his mother for his brother, James, who at the time, was oversees serving in the military. Following his military service, Paul worked at Alden Products in Brockton making teletype machines. He also worked at the Whitman Post Office and owned a taxi service in Whitman. While working at the “shank shop” in Whitman, Paul met his lifelong love, Leah. Paul and Leah were married for 68 years and made their home in Whitman. Paul also worked for many years at Thayer Scale in Pembroke as a machinist.
In his retirement, Paul worked for Filene’s/Macy’s department store and was affectionately known as “Papa Howard”.
He spent many years tinkering with his “second love”- his 1941 Willys Jeep and was a member of the South Shore Antique Auto Club. He enjoyed biking, riding his moped, day tripping and spoiling his cherished dogs and grand dogs. People and animals alike were drawn to his calm and gentle nature.
Paul is predeceased by his wife, Leah. He is survived by his son Paul Jr. and his wife Sharon of Sandwich, daughters Patricia and Nadine, both of Hyannis, daughter Mary Leah of Whitman and beloved brother-in-law Norman McLaughlin and his wife Sandra of Cedarville. He also leaves 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
His funeral service will be held on Wednesday June 16th at 9:00AM in the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman. Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Brockton.
Given his love for riding his bike and his strong sense of faith, in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Paul’s name to;
Cycles for Catechists
Maureen Crowley Heil
Propagation of the Faith
66 Brooks Dr.
Braintree, MA 02184