Decorated Veteran, longtime Everett Resident
Robert Earl Howard, Sr. passed away Sunday afternoon, July 8, 2018 at the Cambridge Health Alliance Hospital in Everett, surrounded by his loving family. He was 71 years of age.
Born in Franklin, he is the son of the late Thomas and Marjorie M. (Grover) Howard. On June 22, 1967, Bob was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War. Specialist Four Howard distinguished himself by heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 3d Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.
On that day, July 27, 1968, Specialist Four Howard valorous actions earned him the Purple Heart Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ DVC 60, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Expert Badge Rifle. Bob was honorably discharged on October 4, 1968.
Bob has been an Everett resident for over 40 years. For a number of years, Bob worked in the warehouse at the former Joan & David shoe company in Everett.
As a mechanic by hobby, Bob enjoyed the title “backyard mechanic” as he fixed cars for his enjoyment.
He was a former member of the former V.F.W. and D.A.V. in Everett.
Bob is the husband of the late Sheila M. (Budney), with whom he shared 41 years of marriage, prior to Sheila’s death in 2009. He is the devoted father of Robert E. Howard, Jr. and his wife Stephanie of Everett, Scott Howard and his wife Shye of West Virginia, Angel Daigle and her husband Billy of Revere and the late Timothy Howard. Dear brother of David Howard and his wife Robin of Norton, Gayle Howard of SC and the late Walter, Harvey, Glen Howard. Brother-in-law of the late Diane Howard. Also lovingly survived by 7 grandchildren, Chanel, Timmy, Michael, Sean, Faith, Hanna- Mae and the late Chuckie, 2 great grandchildren, JoJo, Aryana and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Funeral Services will be conducted in the Carafa Family Funeral Home 389 Washington Ave. Chelsea on Wednesday, July 11 at 11 A.M. An hour of visitation will precede the service from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Funeral services will conclude with US Army military honors at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody.