John Joseph Howell beloved husband, and father of 3, died early Saturday at the Exeter Hospital, Exeter, NH. He was 79 years old.
Son of the late Mary (Murphy) and John Arthur Howell, he was born in Lawrence, MA in 1927. A 1945 graduate of Lawrence High School, John enlisted in the US Navy in the waning days of WWII. He served mostly on battleships assigned to the Mediterranean traveling many places including Greece and Italy. He crossed the equator several times and made port throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America as well. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the Navy Occupation Medal (Europe). He was honorably discharged in 1948. In November of that same year, he married Eileen Murphy) Howell. They shared 58 years together.
A graduate of the Waltham Watch Company’s Watch Making School, John had planned to enter that profession, but eventually decided on a more secure living for his growing family. He went on to enjoy 37.5 year career at Western Electric from where he retired in 1989.
While he was a long time resident of Salem, NH, most recently Atkinson, NH, he and Eileen retired to Florida in 1990. Together, they enjoyed 12 sunshine filled years before returning to NH in 2000 to be closer to family. He was an avid golfer, and played several rounds a week until just 5 months before his passing. He was a member of the American Legion in Florida, the Knights of Columbus # 4442 in Salem, NH, and the Bishop Peterson Assembly #0641, and St. Ann’s Parish in Hampstead, NH.
John will be gratefully remembered as a quiet man, gifted with a quick wit and sense of humor. He would freely give of himself or his time to those in need, never asking for anything in return. He was a great provider for his family. John was handy with anything mechanical, and was always available to give advice and share the benefit of his experience and wealth of knowledge with others.
When a loved one becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. More words cannot express how deeply he will be missed.
He was predeceased by a granddaughter Jennifer Rizkallah who passed away in 2002.
He is survived by his Wife Eileen (Murphy) Howell of Atkinson, NH
2 Daughters: Patricia & her Husband Dave Rizkallah of Derry, NH
Judy & her Husband Don Worthington of Windham, NH
1 Son: John C. (Jack) & his Wife Kate Howell of Haverhill, MA
2 Sisters: Mary Timothy of No. Andover, MA & Claire Powell of Lawrence, MA
Grandchildren: Jason Shikrallah of Salem, David M. Rizkallah of Derry, & Adam Worthington of Derry, NH. Great Grandchildren Kayleigh & Shane Shikrallah. Several Niece, Nephews, and Cousins.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 10 AM at St. Joseph Church, Salem, NH. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem, NH
Calling hours will be held Monday, Dec. 11 from 4-7 PM at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street, Salem, NH.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus # 4442, 37 Main St, Salem, NH, 03079.