George H. Howe

George H. Howe of Acton and formerly of Gardner, died peacefully Thursday, February 16, 2023 on his 93rd birthday, after an illness.

Born in Clinton on February 16, 1930, he was the son of the late Raymond H. and Mary L. (Robichaud) Howe. He graduated from Cushing Academy in 1949 and then trained and worked as a LPN and Supervisor at Gardner State Hospital. He was a United States Navy Korean War Veteran from 1952 to 1956, serving in the 1st Marine Division, where he received the National Defense Service Medal. In the Navy, he was stationed at Boston Naval Shipyard, Camp Pendleton, and Mt. Fuji. Upon his return from service, George returned to Gardner State Hospital and became the supervisor of West Cottage, where he met his wife Helen, whom he married in 1958. In 1967, George received his Associate Degree in Business Administration from Worcester Junior College. He trained to be a social worker and received his license in social work. In 1975, George and Helen bought and operated The Howe Rest Home while he continued to work as a social worker at Rutland State Hospital. He later transferred to Worcester State Hospital continuing social work, retiring in 1985.

George’s greatest joy in life was his family and most notably his wife of 64 years, Helen.  He loved summers on Cape Cod, working in his garden, puttering around outside, and cooking. He was an avid follower of the Red Sox and always enjoyed attending his sons’ college swim meets, never missing one. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren, treasuring all the special times they had together.

George was a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Gardner. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

George is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen L. (Girouard) Howe of Acton; two sons, Brendon Howe and his wife Lynne of Pocasset, and Bradley Howe and his wife Jacqueline of New York, NY; a daughter, Cynthia Soucie and her husband Scott of Westford; four grandchildren, Jessica and Connor Howe, Ally Howe, and Lauren Soucie; a sister, Alwyn Martin of Gardner and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by several brothers and sisters.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial with Military Honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Buzzards Bay, MA, will be held at a later date.

A Calling Hour will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Gardner Community Action Committee, 294 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of George H. Howe.