John E. “Jack” Howell, 72, of Haverhill, passed away Saturday, May 30, at Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington.
He was born in Detroit, Mich. Jan. 7, 1943, the son of the late Edward S. and Edith (Keskeys) Howell. He was educated in the Birmingham school system and graduated from Seaholm High School. Soon after high school, Howell enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the USS Warrington-DD-843 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He went on to further his education, earning his bachelor’s degree from the former College of Steubenville, now the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He moved to Massachusetts in the early 1970s and eventually settled in Haverhill where he became a faithful member of St. John the Baptist church. While living in Haverhill he was employed at Lucent Technologies until his retirement. He was an active member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and the Association for Operations Management (APICS), CPIM. During his retirement he stayed very active umpiring and substitute teaching at area schools, as well as keeping up with his hobbies. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and was an avid Boston and Detroit sports fan. Above all else he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Howell was predeceased by his wife Mary Jo (Murphy) Howell who passed away this past March, and a sister and brother-in-law, Kathryn and Thomas Kroth. His survivors include two daughters, Sarah Rudis and her husband Glen of Haverhill, Lauren Howell and her partner Becky Roberts of Haverhill; two sons, Thomas Howell and his wife Krysten of Haverhill, Michael Howell and his wife Laura of Newton; two brothers, Robert Howell and his wife Michele, James Howell and his wife Leslye, a sister, Barbara Gross and her husband Albert, all of Mich.; four grandchildren, Daniel, Courtney, Edward and Marie as well as several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours Friday, June 5, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. His funeral will be Saturday morning, June 6, beginning at 10 at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, Lincoln Ave., Haverhill. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Contributions in his name may be made to Sarah’s Place, 180 Water St., Haverhill, MA 01830 or Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.