Francis J. "Frank" Howard, age 89, of Brookline St. Needham, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, survived by his wife of 65 years, Odette (Rasch) Howard, six children and seven grandchildren. Frank was born in Providence, RI, son of the late Dennis F. and Mary (Gibbons) Howard. Brother of the late John R. Howard. Father of Frank Howard and his wife Motoko of Silver Spring, MD, Denise Howard Tailby and her husband Bruce of Falmouth, Paul K. Howard and his wife Carol Lang of Needham, Mary L. Howard of Cedar Rapids, IA, Anne Howard Goldstone and her husband Jeff of Tahoe City, CA and Edward R. Howard of East Providence, RI. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Lisa, Michelle and Nicole Tailby, Cameron, Ronnie and Torrie Goldstone and Max Howard.
He served three and half years in the Army Air Force during World War II. While stationed in Alabama he met his wife, Odette, and married on November 18, 1944. He worked as a sales representative for WJAR-TV in Providence and for WBZ-TV in Boston. In 1966 he became a Real Estate Broker in Needham, affiliated with D&H Morse and later owned Humphrey Associates before semi-retiring in 1966.
Mr. Howard was an active volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America. His other main interests centered around St. Bartholomew Parish organizations, including Holy Name Society, manager of the parish CYO band and he was elected member of the Parish Council. He served as usher for 40 years at the eight o’clock Sunday morning Mass.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. NEEDHAM, Saturday at 9 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Bartholomew Church, Needham, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Friday 3-7 PM. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to the St. Bartholomew Church, 1180 Greendale Ave. Needham, MA 02492, or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.