John W. Howard Sr.
The Passing of a Legend – John Wayne Howard, Sr. SFC, U.S. Army (Ret.) Husband, Dad, and Grandpa, born January 1, 1950 in Franklin, New Hampshire, known to his family as “Pops” and to everyone else as “Duke”, passed away Feb. 26, 2021, following a brief illness, in the arms of his beloved Wife of 48 years, Margaret Buinickas Howard – his soulmate and true love. John is survived by John Wayne Howard, Jr. (Son), Justin Brandon Howard (Son), Jessica (Daughter-in-Law), Felicia (Daughter-in-Law), and his Grandchildren: Nick, Kirsten, Grace, Christopher, Alexander, one sister Beverly Barclay, Barbara Hyder (Sister-in-Law/ Norman), William Buinickas (Brother-in-Law/ Lori), and his many nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply. Pops is predeceased by Alexander Buinickas (Father-in-Law), Jessica Buinickas (Mother-in Law), and Michael Buinickas (Brother-in-Law). In 1967 John started his adult life and career serving in the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division (Big Red 1) which he loved dearly. He was able to visit places both stateside and abroad and enjoyed experiences the rest of us could only imagine. John lived life to the fullest and the stories he told were a true testament to the life he lived. While serving his country, Pops was also a devoted family man, giving up his free time so he could spend time with his wife and sons, such as embarking on the Boy Scout journey, playing baseball, weight lifting, going to the gym, jogging, fixing cars, going on family trips, game night with the family and accompanying Margaret (Marge) on business trips after his retirement. Anyone who knew John recognized that he could never sit still always instead taking on numerous projects around the house, his most recent…remodeling the family kitchen in December 2020. Duke retired from the U.S. Army in 1987 solely because he didn’t have the heart to move his family again, which John felt would be too disruptive to his sons’ lives. To say John was a devoted, dedicated, loving, caring, and compassionate “badass” is a gross understatement. John’s determination, loyalty, courage, nerves of steel, and desire for new challenges earned him Legend status in his pre and post military career. Immediately following his retirement, Pops began a new quest in the Civil Engineering field as a print shop foreman where he finished college, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing and quickly found himself Vice President of Marketing of a prestigious and successful Civil Engineering Firm. In 2014 John retired again; and, because of his natural instinct to be a protector he became a crossing guard. After two years he became a trainer and after three years decided to venture onward to a new venture… driving for Uber. Duke’s abrupt yet sincere honesty and desire to make everyone happy and entertained earned him legendary status to his riders. The pandemic put a temporary halt to his driving but he looked forward to resuming his Ubering this year. John’s love and compassion for others led him to several volunteer roles in the community to include Boy Scouts (Scoutmaster) where he remained 100% committed even after his boys made Eagle, the Kiwanis Club (serving as President for many years), always lending a hand to anyone in need (family, friends, neighbors, random person at the store), and serving as project lead for many, many, many school projects. To pay immediate tribute, you are encouraged to go to Jim’s Hideaway (one of John’s favorite hangout spots) and dedicate a round of your favorite drink to “Duke” “Pops”. True Legends, like John will always be remembered. John Wayne Howard, Sr., SFC U.S. Army (Ret.) will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined. You may also leave your thoughts, memories, prayers and blessings on the tribute wall at https://www.hardestyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/John-W-HowardSr?obId=20110767#/celebrationWallObituary
The Passing of a Legend – John Wayne Howard, Sr. SFC, U.S. Army (Ret.) Husband, Dad, and Grandpa, born January 1, 1950 in Franklin, New Hampshire, known to his family as “Pops” and to everyone else as “Duke”, passed away Feb. 26, 2021, following a brief illness, in the arms of his beloved Wife of 48 years, Margaret Buinickas Howard – his soulmate and true love. John is survived by John Wayne Howard, Jr. (Son), Justin Brandon Howard (Son), Jessica (Daughter-in-Law), Felicia (Daughter-in-Law), and his Grandchildren: Nick, Kirsten, Grace, Christopher, Alexander, one sister Beverly Barclay, Barbara Hyder (Sister-in-Law/ Norman), William Buinickas (Brother-in-Law/ Lori), and his many nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply. Pops is predeceased by Alexander Buinickas (Father-in-Law), Jessica Buinickas (Mother-in Law), and Michael Buinickas (Brother-in-Law). In 1967 John started his adult life and career serving in the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division (Big Red 1) which he loved dearly. He was able to visit places both stateside and abroad and enjoyed experiences the rest of us could only imagine. John lived life to the fullest and the stories he told were a true testament to the life he lived. While serving his country, Pops was also a devoted family man, giving up his free time so he could spend time with his wife and sons, such as embarking on the Boy Scout journey, playing baseball, weight lifting, going to the gym, jogging, fixing cars, going on family trips, game night with the family and accompanying Margaret (Marge) on business trips after his retirement. Anyone who knew John recognized that he could never sit still always instead taking on numerous projects around the house, his most recent…remodeling the family kitchen in December 2020. Duke retired from the U.S. Army in 1987 solely because he didn’t have the heart to move his family again, which John felt would be too disruptive to his sons’ lives. To say John was a devoted, dedicated, loving, caring, and compassionate “badass” is a gross understatement. John’s determination, loyalty, courage, nerves of steel, and desire for new challenges earned him Legend status in his pre and post military career. Immediately following his retirement, Pops began a new quest in the Civil Engineering field as a print shop foreman where he finished college, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing and quickly found himself Vice President of Marketing of a prestigious and successful Civil Engineering Firm. In 2014 John retired again; and, because of his natural instinct to be a protector he became a crossing guard. After two years he became a trainer and after three years decided to venture onward to a new venture… driving for Uber. Duke’s abrupt yet sincere honesty and desire to make everyone happy and entertained earned him legendary status to his riders. The pandemic put a temporary halt to his driving but he looked forward to resuming his Ubering this year. John’s love and compassion for others led him to several volunteer roles in the community to include Boy Scouts (Scoutmaster) where he remained 100% committed even after his boys made Eagle, the Kiwanis Club (serving as President for many years), always lending a hand to anyone in need (family, friends, neighbors, random person at the store), and serving as project lead for many, many, many school projects. To pay immediate tribute, you are encouraged to go to Jim’s Hideaway (one of John’s favorite hangout spots) and dedicate a round of your favorite drink to “Duke” “Pops”. True Legends, like John will always be remembered. John Wayne Howard, Sr., SFC U.S. Army (Ret.) will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined. You may also leave your thoughts, memories, prayers and blessings on the tribute wall at https://www.hardestyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/John-W-HowardSr?obId=20110767#/celebrationWall