John A. Howard Sr., 66, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away Monday, June 29, 2015 at his home with his loving wife and daughter at his side.
John was born on August 28, 1948 in Middleton OH to the late Mary E. and Donald E. Howard; and was also preceded in death by his brother, Thomas E. Howard of Connecticut.
John and his family moved to Cleveland 21 years ago when he was transferred from Stamford CT with Olin Chlor Alkali Products where he was a highly valued employee for 45 years; he was most recently Manager of Contracts/Sales Administration until he became ill. Before joining Olin, John served with the US Army in Vietnam with the 101ST Airborne Screaming Eagles. He received a Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal during his service there. John graduated from Central High School in York PA and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1978 from the University of Bridgeport. John was dedicated to his family and was committed to work excellence, and he valued his friendships highly. He was a member of the American Legion as well as a past member of the Freemasons, and a very active member of the Greenwich CT Jaycees. He was a member of the Stamford Baptist Church in Stamford CT where he served as a deacon and more recently attended First Baptist Church in Cleveland.
John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barbara L. Howard; son, John A. Howard Jr. of Chattanooga; daughter, Catherine A. Howard of Cleveland; brother, James Howard and his wife Sally of Leesburg, FL; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Altland, Susan Altland and Brenda Hilty all of York, PA; nieces, Madison and Emma Hilty and Jennifer Howard (J.J. Howard, renowned author); nephew, Jimmy Howard; extended family members, Phil and Kathy Quinnett and Tommy and Linda O’Brien; and many other dear friends.
The family will receive friends Thursday, July 2 from 4-6 p.m. at Grissom Serenity Funeral Home, who has charge of the arrangements.
Reverend Doctor Robert Shoesmith of Rochester NY will preside over a Funeral Service immediately following the visitation.
In lieu of flowers Memorials are preferred. Memorials can be sent to Hospice of Chattanooga Foundation (4411 Oakwood Drive Chattanooga, TN 37416 or Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street & 12th Avenue New York, NY 10036.