Philip Alexander Howe Jr.

Philip Howe Obituary

Philip Alexander Howe Jr. of Bear, Del. Philip Alexander Howe, Jr., 48, passed away May 11, 2012. He was born to Philip Alexander Howe, Sr. and Barbara Jeanne Vincent-Howe on December 24, 1963, in Wynnewood. He was a 1981 graduate of West Chester East High School, where he was an honor student, talented artist and a fantastic athlete. As a member of the gymnastic team, he finished first in the District and placed third in the State of Pennsylvania for individual vault. He had a great love for the sport of gymnastics, a natural talent and often traveled with his team to area schools performing exhibitions. Upon graduating from high school, he attended Delaware County Community College where he earned an Associate Degree and enjoyed being a DJ for the college radio station. He later attended Cheyney University, where he majored in communications, and also earned an Associate Degree from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. Philip had a love for art and all types of music. He was incredibly talented and could draw and play music without any formal instruction. Early in life he learned to play the baritone trumpet, guitar, harmonica, and loved to sing as well. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church in Jenkintown, where he sang in the choir alongside his father. As a career he worked as a graphic artist for several years until his health no longer allowed him. His mother Barbara dedicated her life to caring for him and he loved spending time with family. Philip is survived by his parents, Barbara and Philip, Sr.; his brother, Todd A. Howe of Philadelphia; his sisters, Mareya S. Howe-Chambers of Phoenixville; Devon C. Curtis of Lafayette Hill, and was predeceased in death by a brother, Craig Steven Howe. He leaves behind four nephews, three nieces, two great aunts, Ethyl Gelate, Elizabeth Williams and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. A private family memorial will be held at a future date. The family asks that you consider their privacy at this difficult time. Uplifting Life Services are being arranged by the DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc. of West Chester and Bryn Mawr. Visit www.DeBaptiste.com for information and to send condolences ~ 610-696-4812.

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Published by The Daily Local from May 19 to May 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Howe

14 Entries

Roger Meltzer

May 13, 2020

My favorite memory of Phil is him imitating Moe from the Three Stooges saying "Spread out."

Roger Meltzer

May 14, 2019

Hey, Phil. Just want you to know I'm missing your talents and your passion for music. I miss your cheerful demeanor, your ready smile and sense of humor, and hearing you say "Spread out" in your flawless impersonations of Moe. I'm sure you're busy in heaven entertaining the good souls who live there with you, but give my love to grandmom Linda and Craig when you have a moment. By the way, you have a new cousin courtesy of my Liz and her hub Jeff. Her name is Caroline Elyse. Rog.

Kim Whittingham

May 13, 2013

To the Howe Family, it has been a year since Phil's passing and I didn't know. I can't imagine what it is like to lose one child, let alone two. I was friends with Craig and lived down the street on 352. I always remember all of your children being so nice and bringing smiles to people's faces. I hope it gives to comfort to know that Phil and Craig obviously had a higher calling than living here on earth! What a privilege to have know them. God Bless your family.

Renee Austin

October 3, 2012

To Philip Sr. and family -

I can see a beautiful light in his eyes, and can only imagine the loss that you continue to sustain in his physical absence.

The following was given to me after the recent loss of my mom, and has given me comfort.
I hope it soothes you as well:

Death is nothing at all. It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way you always used.
Put no difference in your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort,
Without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
What is this death, but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
just around the corner.

All is well.

John Hall

September 3, 2012

My name is John Hall, and I am proud to have called Philip A. Howe,Jr. one of the best friends that I have ever encountered in my 51 years on this earth. I last saw Phil in December of '91. I had been laid off and suffered a broken engagement, and I was packing up my car to head west to SoCal and my parent's house. Phil tried every scheme he could think of for me to be able to stay in my beloved West Chester, but it wasn't to be. Though we never spoke again, I have forever thought about him, and prayed that I would -somehow- be able to reunite that great friendship with him. In my planning of a trip back east this upcoming week for my little sister's wedding, I took a chance and googled his name. My heart shuddered just now, when I found the saddest news of this site. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to Barbara, Philip Sr., Todd, Mareya, and Devon, as I suddenly learn of my good friend's untimely passing. Barbara might remember me as Phil's red-headed best buddy from West Chester U. that frequented the house on Highland, tho' quite Back-In-The-Day now. I had the pleasure to meet his siblings there, in passing, also. Phil and I shared the blood, sweat, and tears of Life ... I helped him gain brief employment during those bleak years with me in landscaping and grocery store jobs. We even figured out that we had faced each other, unknowingly, on the h.s. gridiron; He as a RB for W.Chester-East, and I the same for Great Valley Sr. High. We shared many a frosted mug at "The Rat" on campus, many casual meals, concerts, Good Times, and the occasional tear/hug shared rebounding from a jilted relationship. Phil was -always- there, for a friend. A simple pat on the back. The uplifting words of advice. The Smile, kind heart, ... the jovial gentle soul, the good natured sweetness in his eyes, ... A friend of strong character and conviction. I am so very thankful to have crossed paths with Phil in life. The way he tried to strive ever forward to achieve his "Life's Calling", ever positive and unflailing, always did ~and always will~ impress me incredibly so. I must close this (rambling) entry now, but I will always hear and visualize him in fine voice ... to the likes of: "Shining Star for you to see, what your Life can truly be." We were all truly blessed to have shared our existence with a soul as wonderful as Philip, Jr's. ... Gone too soon, brother. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Be at peace with Craig, whom you always spoke so dearly of. May God bless you & yours. Wishing you Peace, my Friend. ... Thanks, man. ... Much Love,
~ John Hall, Orange, California
(To Howe family: [email protected])

J. Peter Wilking

June 5, 2012

Mr. & Mrs. Howe, I am so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As one of my best friends and teammate in high school, he was always the star shining bright where ever he was.

Greg Hart

May 22, 2012

"I'm sorry for the mistake in calling Philip a father. He was a wonderful Uncle and playmate to all of his Nephew's and Niece's. –Again my condolences”

Janice Scott- Leon

May 22, 2012

I am so sad to hear of Phils passing. My deepest sympathy to the Howe Family. Phil and I were friends in high school, we actually were partnered together for health class and we had to take care of our "baby" (an egg) which Phil adorned with hair and a face and made it adorable. I caught up with Phil some years back after high school and he was just as kind and fun loving as I remember. I will miss his smile and kind heart he was a great person and a gentle soul. Rest well my friend , you will be missed.

Mike Meehan

May 22, 2012

To the Howe's,their extended family and friends I give you my heart felt condolences. To Philip "Phobby" as Justice would say, Thankyou for your friendship! You set the bar awfully high on the personal character list. I really don't know how you kept such a positive attitude, always looking forward, never complaining and with a sense of humor to boot! I enjoyed our conversations together and your good nature. I will miss you my friend! God Bless! Mr. Mike

Greg Hart

May 21, 2012

My sincere conolances extend to Philip's immediate & extended family and friends. Although, I only knew Philip a short time, his heart of gold, caring sole and dreamer's smile let me know immediately...that he was one of the good guys. Watch over your family along side your brother Craig. My thoughts and prayers are with this family as they deal with the lost of a son, brother, father and friend.

Mary Ellen DiPinto-Naugle

May 21, 2012

Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time, Philip was, is and will always be a great man, he will be missed, but never forgotten

Roger Meltzer

May 21, 2012

I will miss you Philip. You always made me smile with your flawless imitations of Stooges Moe and Curly. I loved listening to you sing and watching you draw. You had a kind word for everyone and I hope you meet sweet souls like yours when you
settle down in heaven an finally know some rest.
Your Aunt Linda and brother Craig will show you around, but knowing you, I'm sure you'll get the hang of the place very quickly on your own and feel at home where the Creator has called you. Love to your siblings and poarents from Uncle Roger (Hatford, CT.)

Mareya Howe-Chambers

May 20, 2012

My dearest brother i will miss you terribly. Fly now with the angels!! You were the best brother and uncle any sister could ask for and because of that i will forever be grateful. Thank you for the constant love and support you somehow always managed to give, it meant the world to me. Our family is again, forever changed but our bonds can never be broken. Kiss and hug Craig for us...we will see you both again. Your beautiful spirits though, remain here with us. May God bless you in heaven as he did here on earth. Rest baby, now your home. I will always love you!

Katie Kimmell-Dolchan

May 20, 2012

My heart goes out to the Howe family. Phil was a dear friend who alway was there for me when I needed him. He picked me out of a crowd during college registration at Delaware County Community College where we rekindled our friendship from high school. Then years later he caught up to me on the streets of Philadelphia and like old friends we picked up just as before. Phil was a shining star of talent, joy and energy. We had many adventures together. I am proud to have been able to call him friend, I will miss him until the circle becomes unbroken.

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