Henry Thomas Howard Obituary (1933 - 2025)

Henry Thomas Howard (Tom), age 92, a longtime resident of Westford, passed away peacefully at the Residence at Freeman Lake, North Chelmsford on Monday, November 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Alice A. (Farrington) Howard with whom he enjoyed 65 years of marriage. He was born in Roosevelt, New York on October 29, 1933, and was the son of the late Henry and Jessie (Pruyn) Howard and step-dad Charles Schneider. Tom was raised in New York and Connecticut. He joined the army in 1953 and served at the Panama Canal. After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1955 he moved to Boston. Tom attended the East Coast School of Aviation and after graduation he became an instructor at the school. This is where he met his wife, Alice. They soon married and moved to California where Tom received his Associate’s Degree in Engineering. After returning to New England, he completed courses at Boston University and graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He worked several years at American Optical in Burlington, MA and Computer Vision. He completed his career at Bronze Craft Corporation in Nashua, NH. His hobbies included boating, fishing, clamming and lobstering. He also enjoyed woodworking and made several cherished pieces for his family. Tom took impeccable care of his home and yard in Westford, MA for 58 years. He was a member of several churches over the years and enjoyed singing in the church choirs. He and Alice shared the love for animals in the many pets they owned as well as the many animal charities that he helped support over the years. Tom cherished time with his family and created lasting memories for them all. In addition to his loving wife, Tom is survived by his daughters Elizabeth (husband, David Sawyer and late husband Gary Rautenberg), and Amy (husband, Richard Hendl) all currently living in Westford. He also has 5 grandchildren, James and wife Janel Rautenberg, Stephen and wife Sarah Sawyer, Erik and wife Katherine Rautenberg, Joshua Sawyer, and Katherine Hendl. He also was blessed with 7 great grandchildren, Norah Sawyer, Emma Sawyer, Laela Rautenberg, Alice Rautenberg, Annabel Rautenberg, Finley Rautenberg and Novalee Sawyer. Additional family includes; Richard and June Axtell, their sons, Richard (wife, Mary Axtell), and Charles (wife, Melissa Axtell), as well as Warren, Allen and Steven Hollister. Funeral services were held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tom’s memory to The Residence at Freeman Lake’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2025/MA-MassachusettsNewHampshire?team_id=949805&pg=team&fr_id=18643