Ronald Dewar Howard

Passed away at home in Haddonfield, New Jersey on August 28, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Joyce (nee Higgins) of Haddonfield; his cherished children, Jill Howard (David Daigle) of Summit, Anne Howard Sears (John) of Medford, and Lynn Howard Hoag (Jeffrey) of Haddonfield; and his nine treasured grandchildren, Stephen, Andrew and Charles Daigle; Emma, Nathaniel and Johnny Sears; and Samuel, Peter and Claire Hoag.  He is also survived by a large, loving extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Many dear ones have gone on before him.

Ron was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 4, 1936 to Irene and Robert Howard. He was the younger brother of Robert Jacob Howard (deceased) and Marilyn Callahan. Ron spent his youth in Canton, Massachusetts and graduated from Canton High School in 1954 after four memorable years of warm friendships and notable athletic achievements. As captain of the football team, his classmates dubbed him “a powerful leader on the gridiron.” His grandchildren rolled their eyes each time they heard him retell the story of playing a game with a broken leg, imploring them, whenever they complained, to “run it off”.

Ron graduated from Norwich University in 1958 with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. He was a valued leader on his football team and in his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and a vibrant member of the school community.

Ron entered the United States Army in 1958 and served in the Transportation Corps.  He completed two tours in Vietnam, one in Thailand, two in Germany, and stations that brought him and his family coast to coast in the United States.  He was awarded many honors including the Legion of Merit.  He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980.  He continued working as a logistician for several technology companies before retiring from Iriscan in 2001.

Ron lived his life with integrity, courage, humility, and joy.  He was devoted to his wife, his family, Cape Cod, the Christian Science Church, the Patriots, and the Red Sox. Ron’s sarcastic sense of humor and adept delivery of one-line zingers kept people guessing and laughing. He took great pleasure in cheering on his grandchildren in their sporting events (often “coaching” from the sidelines), watching them shine in their musical endeavors, and enjoying day-to-day moments together.  Ron loved his country and had an unwavering faith in its ability to become kinder, more just, and unified.

Ron was a good man.  He will be missed.

Ronald Dewar Howard will be buried with military honors in Eastham, Massachusetts. Memorial contributions may be made to: Norwich University, the Vietnam Veterans Association, or the Christian Science Church of Haddonfield.