Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Howard Cary Obituary
Howard was born March 2, 1921, in Morristown, Tenn., the son of Ray and Denver (Odell) Cary.
He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Olivia Elizabeth (Olson) Cary and a sister, Dorothy Edith.
A submarine veteran of World War II, he served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1962. Howard then worked as a groundskeeper and fire chief at the former State Farm for Women at Niantic, retiring in 1978.
Howard was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 128, Niantic Fire Department, and New London County Fire Chiefs. He added much information about the Angel Cemetery located in Union Cemetery in Niantic, where babies of inmates at the former State Farm who died at birth are buried.
Howard had a green thumb and loved his flower garden and the tomatoes he grew every year. He was a big fan of the Red Sox and UConn women's basketball team. With a sunny disposition, a smile, or a little joke, he will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.
The family would like to thank the staff on the 2nd floor at Bride Brook, especially his nurse April, who he lovingly called "Tulip".
Howard is survived by a daughter, Susan and her husband, Joseph, of Niantic and a son, Stephen and his wife, Gina, of Mystic, her daughter, Lauren and husband, Cody Lee, of North Carolina and their children, Jovie and Lorick; three grandchildren, Todd Perkins and his wife, Linda, of Niantic, Gary Perkins of Niantic, and Rhonda Meaike of Old Lyme; and three great-grandchildren, Lane and Quinn Perkins of Norwich and Aidan Cary of Old Lyme.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic, with a memorial service immediately following at 7 p.m. Interment is private.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Niantic Fire Department, 8 Grand St., Niantic, CT 06357.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Cary
October 9, 2013
I worked in the women's prison in Niantic from 1972-1974. Everyone loved Mr. Cary. He was a gentle soul in an unkind environment. The prisoners and staff all loved him. How wonderful he was. He is in heaven now. I know it!
September 21, 2013
Sue & Joe,
Sorry to hear of Dad's passing.
Carolyn & Norm Buecher
Billy Secl
September 13, 2013
Sorry To Here Of Your Loss,, "Jumbo" Secl Was A Big Fan Of Howard,,As Was I,,He Will Be Missed,
Jeannine Sicard
September 12, 2013
Dear Sue and family: Although it has been so many years since I have seen you, I will always remember how sweet and protective your dad always was toward you and your mom. Loved his sense of humor. My thoughts are with you. Wish you well. Love, Jeannine
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Judith Vlcek
September 12, 2013
Sue & Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Memories will be with you forever. Good times at the American Legion dances.
Barbara Kleeman
September 10, 2013
Dear Sue and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Poppy was a gem of a man and I will always remember good times at his house and at yours, until he had to "get going"' as he always had so much to do! He always made me smile and was so welcoming. I know you will miss him so much, and, at the same time, will be blessed by the many years of great memories he leaves you.
Bill and Sandy RaVell
September 10, 2013
Sandy and I extend our deepest sympathy to Howard's family. We were very fond of him. It became our routine and pleasure to visit him at Bride Brook every Friday. He always brought a smile to our faces and he always managed to make us laugh. Sandy always loved it when he'd say: "How's everything going girl?. Being a retired Coast Guardsman and he a retired submariner, we always ended up talking about the military. We'd discuss the many changes to military life between his era and mine. He had a great memory and we enjoyed hearing of his experiences. However, some things unique to the
military never change and we always shared our experiences about them. Howard was a gentlemen of the highest order and had a wealth of friends. Our lives were enriched for having known him. I said we were fond of Howard, but it was more than that: we loved him. We will miss him but know he's heaven probably fixing something, wearing one of his many caps and making the angels laugh.
Jim Shake
September 10, 2013
Skip, Sue and Family,
I'm saddened to read about Howard's passing. He was no doubt a huge part of the fabric that we all came to know and grew up with as part of the fire department in Niantic. His dry wit and sense of humor will always be remembered. To this day I can still remember some of his great witty sayings and phrases. He will be missed by many. My condolences go out to you all.
Albert & Frances Corey JR
September 10, 2013
Another Very Good Friend Will Be Missed
Clarice Andrade
September 10, 2013
Steve and Gina so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad
Ellen Oliver
September 10, 2013
"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us." -Helen Keller
My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Howard Cary's name
Memorial Events
for Howard Cary
Funeral services provided by:
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357
How to support Howard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Howard Cary's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
