Obituary for Thomas Patrick Howe
Thomas Patrick Howe, 80, of Mt. Laurel, N.J., peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Vincenza. He is survived by his former spouse Kathy, their sons Dan and Greg, Dan’s partner Amy Wong, Greg’s fiancé Katie McDevitt, sisters Patricia Larkin and Janet Castley, several nieces and nephews, and his granddog, Tripp.
Tom was born January 21, 1942, in the Bronx, N.Y. The youngest child of Ernie and Vincy, he grew up in Clason Point idolizing New York Yankee Mickey Mantle, comedian Jackie Gleeson, and rock n’ roll pioneers including Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and, most enduringly, Elvis Presley. His boyhood dream to participate in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade came true on the Cardinal Hayes High School marching band, playing the cornet.
Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1961, serving as a rifleman. Tom’s service in the Marine Corps and love of America were sources of pride and inspiration throughout his life. He went on to work for more than 30 years in billing and collections with a global insurance broker in Manhattan. He worked hard to provide a good education for his children and treasured family vacations to Wildwood Crest.
Tom was a Roman Catholic, valuing community service and charity, giving often and generously to those in need.
He instilled a deep sense of integrity in his sons, placing a special importance on being honest, always doing the right thing, and giving 100% whether in the classroom or playing sports, regardless of the outcome. On the baseball field, these lessons translated into always hustling to first base and always trying to use two hands to catch the ball.
In his final days, he enjoyed watching baseball and listening to his favorite music. Some of the songs he enjoyed in his last weeks are documented on this playlist.
Thanks to Tom’s night nurse, Kate, at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, BAYADA Home Health Aide Regina, and BAYADA Hospice Nurse Colleen Lybarger, who all played a special part in keeping Tom comfortable and as autonomous as possible in his final weeks. Thanks to Fr. Michael Dunn of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Mt. Laurel for administering the sacrament of Last Rites. A special thank you to Tom’s neighbor, Kathy Fallon, who was a dear friend who became like family.
There will be a private celebration of life on Thursday, March 31. In lieu of flowers, donations may be dedicated to Tom at https://secure.givewell.org/ to the Maximum Impact Fund.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Vincenza. He is survived by his former spouse Kathy, their sons Dan and Greg, Dan’s partner Amy Wong, Greg’s fiancé Katie McDevitt, sisters Patricia Larkin and Janet Castley, several nieces and nephews, and his granddog, Tripp.
Tom was born January 21, 1942, in the Bronx, N.Y. The youngest child of Ernie and Vincy, he grew up in Clason Point idolizing New York Yankee Mickey Mantle, comedian Jackie Gleeson, and rock n’ roll pioneers including Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and, most enduringly, Elvis Presley. His boyhood dream to participate in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade came true on the Cardinal Hayes High School marching band, playing the cornet.
Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1961, serving as a rifleman. Tom’s service in the Marine Corps and love of America were sources of pride and inspiration throughout his life. He went on to work for more than 30 years in billing and collections with a global insurance broker in Manhattan. He worked hard to provide a good education for his children and treasured family vacations to Wildwood Crest.
Tom was a Roman Catholic, valuing community service and charity, giving often and generously to those in need.
He instilled a deep sense of integrity in his sons, placing a special importance on being honest, always doing the right thing, and giving 100% whether in the classroom or playing sports, regardless of the outcome. On the baseball field, these lessons translated into always hustling to first base and always trying to use two hands to catch the ball.
In his final days, he enjoyed watching baseball and listening to his favorite music. Some of the songs he enjoyed in his last weeks are documented on this playlist.
Thanks to Tom’s night nurse, Kate, at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, BAYADA Home Health Aide Regina, and BAYADA Hospice Nurse Colleen Lybarger, who all played a special part in keeping Tom comfortable and as autonomous as possible in his final weeks. Thanks to Fr. Michael Dunn of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Mt. Laurel for administering the sacrament of Last Rites. A special thank you to Tom’s neighbor, Kathy Fallon, who was a dear friend who became like family.
There will be a private celebration of life on Thursday, March 31. In lieu of flowers, donations may be dedicated to Tom at https://secure.givewell.org/ to the Maximum Impact Fund.