John P. Howard, Sr.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Patrick Howard, Sr., age 84, of Springfield, MA, who died on October 8, 2025. Born in Watertown, New York, on October 6, 1941, to parents William H. Howard and Myrtle C. (Gregory) Howard, as a sibling of nine children. 

A graduate of Watertown High School, John enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1959 to 1963, with reserve obligation until 1965. John was stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee Falls, MA, as a radio repairman, with the rank of E-4.  Eight days after his honorable discharge, John exchanged vows with the love of his life, Ceceilia May McCormick. After settling in Springfield, John and Cecelia raised their family of three. John worked for Collins Electric as an electrician and then moved on as a self-employed electrical consultant engineer for Monsanto, Co. Once retired, he took up such hobbies as painting furniture, baking pies, cookies, and was best known for his batches of Chex Mix for family and friends. With a jokester personality, John made new friends everywhere he went. For over forty years, John and his wife enjoyed their time with family and friends on Cape Cod. Many wonderful memories were made on the beaches of New England.  John loved to golf and watch the New England Patriots. His pride and joy were his grandchildren of nine and great-grandchildren of five. 

John was predeceased by his wife Cecelia in 2024, and he longed to return to her side. He is survived by his children, Sharlene Howard and Richard Pohner; Gregory and Paige Howard; and John P. Howard, Jr; his brother Robert Howard; sister Mary Elizabeth Roberge; brother-in-law Walter McCormick; sister-in-law Paula Howard; and sister-in-law Virginia Hansel.  John was an adored grandfather of Shivonne, Patrick, Grady, Sydney, Jocelyn, Owen, Samantha, Adison, and Carlin, as well as a great-grandfather to Autumn, Jameson, Benjamin, Meadow, and Ellis. 

A full honor service will be held on October 27, 2025 at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA, at 3 pm. 

The Howard family would like to thank all the family and friends for their love and support by joining them after the service at Tony and Penny’s Restaurant on Canterbury Street in Ludlow, MA.

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