Donald J. Howard

Donald J. Howard, 81, of Worcester, died September 16, 2008 in the UMass-Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Worcester, son of John F. and Mary (Carroll) Howard. He leaves his wife of 54 years, Mary Jane (Harvey).

Mr. Howard graduated from South High School, received bachelor's and master's degrees from Worcester State College and a Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Mr. Howard was employed by the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) for 27 years, serving as a classroom teacher at Abbott Street School, Chandler Jr. High, Forest Grove Jr. High and Burncoat High School. He was also an assistant principal at South High School and spent ten years as Director of Professional Personnel for WPS. Mr. Howard then spent 14 years as a Field Consultant for the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

Mr. Howard was active in a variety of professional and community activities. He was a life member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association. He served as the first president of the Educational Association of Worcester, later returning as Executive Secretary of the organization. Mr. Howard was also a former Director of the United Way, a Trustee of Botany Bay Condominiums, and a member of the Greendale Men's Club.

A proud graduate of Worcester State College, he was very involved in reunion planning and served on both the Alumni Association Advisory Board, and the Athletic Hall of Fame Advisory Committee. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Howard leaves three children, Anne M. Howard of Wellesley, John A. Howard and his wife Tiana of Jupiter, FL, and Carrie Kelly and her husband Kevin of Peabody, as well as seven grandchildren, Matthew and Rosie Howard Carter, Trent and Wade Howard, and Jessica, Jordan, and Jeremy Kelly. He is also survived by one sister, Ann King of Worcester. He was predeceased by one brother, John, and four sisters, Margaret Thomas, Dorothy Ring, Evelyn Quist, and Gertrude Tobin, all of Worcester.

Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, are Friday, Sept. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be Saturday, Sept. 20 from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 341 June St., Worcester. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Donald and Mary Jane Howard Scholarship c/o the Worcester Foundation at Worcester State College, 486 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01602.