Mr. Ronald Norman Howard, age 65, passed away at Methuen Health and Rehabilitation Center in Methuen, Massachusetts on January 23rd, 2009. Born in Lawrence on July 31st, 1943 he was the son of the late Norman Howard and Simone (Rheaume) Howard Aughtigan.
Ronnie grew up in Andover and attended Andover public schools. He was a veteran of the US Army serving in the Vietnam War and was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, receiving the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star for gallantry in action. He was also a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Post 122 in Methuen. Ronnie loved the ocean and salt water fishing. He was always concerned about his extended family and eager to help them in whatever ways he could.
He is survived by his wife Lisa (Robichaud) Howard, three sisters, Norma, wife of James Ryley of Lawrence, Sally, widow of Wayne Lord of Palm Bay Florida, and Debra, wife of Jack Medeiros of Lawrence. He also leaves nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Coughlin, Matthew Ryley, Michael Ryley, Valerie Mills, Beverly Gaudet, Kevin Gaudet and Lisa Medeiros.
His funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 29th, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. in Christ Church in Andover, Massachusetts.
Burial will follow at the West Parish Garden Cemetery in Andover, MA
Family and Friends may call on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. For online condolences and other information please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made in Ronnie's memory to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301.