Donald G. Howard, 82, of Millersville passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 30, 2021.
Don was born in Watertown, NY on January 22, 1939, to the late William and Myrtle Howard. Don leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Paula, his son Eric (Paige Lehr-Howard), and his daughter Laura (Bradford Frank) along with five grandchildren Zane, Greyson and Hawkins Howard and Adeline and Carter Frank. Don is survived by his siblings Mary Roberge, Robert, and John and preceded in death by William, James, Walt, Kay Oldenburg, and Frank.
After growing up on Cooper St, Don enlisted in the Marines in 1956. Following boot camp at Parris Island and sniper training at Camp Lejeune, Don served two tours of duty in the Mediterranean, most notably on a peace keeping mission during the Lebanon Crisis. Don was proud to be a Marine.
Don began a successful business career at Eastman Kodak where he met the love of his life, Paula. Don was an avid skier when he was younger and enjoyed sharing this love of skiing by becoming the Ski School Director at Frost Ridge Ski Area, Leroy, NY. He and Paula enjoyed many weekend ski adventures with the Friskie’s Ski Club.
Don and Paula raised their family in East Petersburg where friends could always find Don helping neighbors, volunteering around the community or coaching one of his children’s sports teams. Throughout his life Don knew the importance of volunteering for those in need. A few notable organizations he was passionate about and volunteered his time with were: Boys Scouts, Gaudenzia, Meals on Wheels, and Hospice & Community Care. After retiring from a 30-year career at Mannesmann Demag, Don kept himself busy continuing his volunteer work, traveling with family, golfing, spending time at the grandchildren’s activities or dropping everything to help a friend. Don truly loved his family and friends.
A private, in-person funeral service for the immediate family will be held at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. Family and friends are invited to watch the live service virtually on Thursday, January 13 at 11:00 a.m. by clicking this live streaming link: https://my.gather.app/remember/donald-g-howard
Don will be interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with full military honors.
The family is extremely grateful for the tremendous care provided by the home health aides and hospice staff for over a year. If desired, donations can be made in Don’s name to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604 in lieu of flowers.
On-line condolences may be offered at www.DeBordSnyder.com
John Howard
R.I.P. Don.
Paula, Eric, Laura, Our Love to all of you.
Frank Geist
It was a pleasure to know this gentleman and U. S. Marine. Don accomplished much in his life, but his family was always his priority. His total devotion to Paula was inspiring! R.I.P. and Semper Fi, Don.
David and Kathleen Howard
Aunt Paula, Eric and Laura:
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy peirce
John and family my condolences on your brothers passing. Prayers for eternal rest
Teresa Clayton
R.I.P Uncle Donny … my thoughts and prayers to you Aunt Paula, Eric and Laura and family
Carol & Bob Alexander
May God give you a peace knowing Don is healed. His love for you was inspiring. So Sorry for the loss of such a loving man. Prayers for you, Eric and Laura as well as the grandchildren who made him smile so much.
Bob Walker
Barbara and I would like to extend our condolences to Paula, Eric, Laura and their families. Don leaves a positive legacy to all who were privileged to know him—family, friends, colleagues, Marines, neighbors and golfing partners. In my case i appreciated so much his helping ease my job as Congressman by supporting Sue when I was in Washington. She always knew that if there was a crisis or a problem in my absence, Don was just across the street. Moreover, I never remember a time when he was not fun companion on our street, on the golf course or on our neighborhood weekend adventures. Don was the essence of what it means to be an American by serving both your nation and your community in big and small ways, cheerfully and unselfishly.
Richard Howard
An honor to have known you ..be at peace .prayers for the family.
Richard and Rae Ann
David Adams
Our lives are better for having known Don, and for having been a part of his extended family. Our hearts and condolences go out to all of the family.
David and Michael
Steven Tomey & Katrina Delaney
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Steven, Katrina, & Keira
Regan Kresge
To your family, I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss.
Mr. Howard, You are guarding Heavens Gates now. Rest easy Marine. Semper Fi
Terry Ayres
Remembering a true”gentle” man who had a deep love for his family and an altruistic spirit! May you find comfort in your shared love and fond memories! In empathy, Terry Ayres and family
Cheryl & Don Youtz
Don was a wonderful neighbor. Springdale will miss him.
Alicia Mendeke
What a role model! Laura, you are testimony to your Dad’s life example. He lives on through his loving family’s lives.
Blessings.
Rose Medwick Crupi
Don was the Marine Gentleman..Never visited with him that he was not smiling and enjoying life
Had that killer smile that you had to smile right back at him..
I believe people die twice, once physically and again if forgotten….
Paula and family,we will not forget Don and he will always be with us.
Rose Medwick Crupi
My sincere condolences to you Paula and your family..What a great guy and what a great couple you made..
Bob Howard
Semper Fi Marine. Rest in Peace.
To Paula, Laura, Eric & families my deepest condolences.
Terry Jane Ayres
Remembering a true “gentle” man who had a deep love for his family and an altruistic spirit! May you find comfort in your shared love and fond memories! In empathy, Terry Ayres and family
Chris Straub
Paula,Our deepest condolences to you and your Family. I always enjoyed visiting with Don during Penn Manor events. Don’s commitment to Family and Community are very clear. However, I had no idea that he was a highly trained Marine sniper. Don was always about “we” and “us” and not “me” or “I”- we need more like Don. Very sorry for your loss. Chris and Erika Straub
Sabine Thomas
Eric, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Sending you prayers of comfort and peace at this time. From reading the obituary he was an amazing man, and may the many wonderful memories be a comfort to you all during this difficult time and always.
Sabine Thomas
Ray Deffner
Thanks for the memories. It was our pleasure to know you. You will be missed. Lorna & Ray Deffner.
Lenore Reiner
Sending deepest condolences to Aunt Paula and cousins Eric and Laura and their families! I have such great memories of spending time with Uncle Don and the entire family during our Christmas visits in Rochester and the alternating summers in Lancaster. We went on many fun adventures to NYC to Ocean City and to the shore just to name a few. I always enjoyed hearing his perspectives on many things and how caring he was. I hope that in time you will find comfort in all the great memories you have of him during your years together. Lots of love, Lenore Reiner (and family).
Marcia Trach
So sorry to read about Don this morning. What a genuinely nice gentleman he was. He will be remembered by many. Fondly, Marcia Trach
Kathi Bond , Sam and Adison Howard
Our love and prayers to Aunt Paula, Eric, Laura and their families. We are so sorry for the loss of an amazing person, family man and friend. And my son Adison’s godfather who was there where we all needed him most. You are all in our thoughts and hearts through this difficult time.
Love,
Kathi, Sam and Adison.
Kathy Ganse
When we think of Don, these words come to mind: gentle, kind, strong, resourceful, altruistic… overall beautiful human being.
We will miss him so very much.
Love to Paula, Laura, Eric and family.
Kathy and Buddy Ganse
Springdale Lane Neighbors
William Powers
Deepest sympathy to you, Paula, as well as to Laura and the rest of your family. Don was such a kind and supportive dad.