Celebration of Life
Howard Campbell Peart was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the younger of two children born to Rudolph C. Peart and Adessa D. Peart. He attended Boston Public Schools, Boston State College and, in later years, University of Massachusetts in Boston. In 1980, Howard met Carolyn Jones. They married in 1987 and their union endured for 34 years, until his passing. To this union were born two children, Erin Alyssa Peart and Marcus Howard Peart.
Along with a deep love for family and friends, Howard had a strong work ethic. He would tell anyone who would listen how he started working at age 11, sweeping out a local pharmacy and running errands for the pharmacist in the South End of Boston. In his adult years, it was not unusual for him to work several part-time jobs at the same time. After working full time for Pitney Bowes, repairing copy machines for several years, he pursued specialized training and became a licensed auto damage appraiser. He worked for many years as a staff appraiser with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company before becoming an independent appraiser and starting his own business, WDI Appraisal Service, in 1989, to allow him flexibility to take an active role with parenting his children. In spite of the pandemic, Howard took pride in celebrating WDl's 32nd anniversary in January 2021.
Howard was a kind, outgoing, gentle man who never met a person he didn't want to help. He served as a mentor for several young men with whom he worked at a part-time job with Enterprise Car Rental Services. Years earlier, while working at a part-time job as a driver with Boston Coach, he frequently served as a driver for the famous chef, Julia Child, and they developed a friendship, with her often requesting to see the latest pictures of Howard's children. On one occasion, while driving Lawrence Fishburne, he struck up a conversation with the actor about local and national politics, and described him as a real gentleman. Until he became ill, he also took time each week, if possible, to touch base with a young security guard he had met some time ago in a local supermarket.
Celebration of Life cont.
Howard liked nothing better than spending time with family and friends. One of the highlights of family time was flying to Florida many years ago with Carolyn, Erin and Marcus and driving up the coast from Florida to Boston, stopping along the way in most states to visit with family and friends. When Howard was young, he enjoyed summer trips to South Cape Beach in
Mashpee, Ma. In later years, he fell in love with Onset Beach in Wareham, Ma. After Howard mastered the art of texting, he spent hours on most holidays reaching out to family and friends to extend special greetings. In recent years, he spent hours each week talking to his buddies Gerry and Paul on the phone.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Colleen
Graves. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn and children, Erin and Marcus, of Boston, Ma. He is also survived by two brothers-in law, Robert Ray (Lauretta
Ray) of Georgetown, S.C. and Kenneth Adams of Boston, Ma.; two nieces, Tara Graves of Boston, Ma. and Shannon Bryan of Latham, New York; two great nieces, Saree Payne of Boston, Ma. and Tara Bryan of Latham, New York; a favorite cousin/little brother, Drummond Brigham of New York City; and a host of other relatives and friends.
All visitors must wear a MASK in the funeral home and on the funeral home property.
All visitors will then follow SAFE DISTANCING
All visitors may pause at Casket/Urn and then EXIT the Funeral Home.
All visitors when returning to their cars will please exit the property to allow others to enter.
All visitors will be able to greet family members from a safe distance but not able to touch.
The Joseph Russo Funeral Home appreciates everyone that is helping to support your loved one’s and friends during their most difficult time.