Eugene G. Howie

Howie, Eugene G.
Eugene Gabriel Howie passed away on June 7, 2015 at 84, surrounded by his loving wife of 50 years Gail, and children daughter Sheri Valente, son Jeff Howie as well as his siblings and nephew.
Born in Brooklyn, NY to Gabriel and Bertha Howie, he attended Poly Prep and went on to graduate from Lehigh University class of 1952, where he served as President of his fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha, President of Arcadia the Student Council, and an officer with many other student body organizations.
After graduation, Gene served in the US Air Force Air Defense Command at the Headquarters of the Eastern Air Defense Force, serving as a 1st Lieutenant with a Top Secret Service clearance, managing Information Services during the Korean War 1952-1954.
Gene enjoyed a 31 year career working for the IBM Corporation. He held positions as Federal Account Manager, Sales Manager in Queens, NY office, Manufacturing Industry Manager at IBM Eastern Region Headquarters in New York, Branch Manager of the Rochester, NY office, and manager of Group Headquarters Strategic Planning in Rye, NY. During his career, he earned twelve 100% clubs and five Golden Circle awards, IBM Federal National Salesman of the year, and many national recognitions.
Following his retirement from IBM in 1983, Gene formed Parke Business Systems in Stamford, CT, a technology startup focusing on digital imaging. Parke Business Systems was the first company to offer digital color imaging in the State of CT. After 17 years of growth, Gene sold the company and retired for the second time.
Loving his community, Gene volunteered his time for many years to the RTM in Darien, CT. He served as Chairperson of the Education Committee and also Chairperson of the RTM Public Safety Committee.
In his retirement he loved spending time with his wife Gail, his children Sheri and Jeff and his grandchildren Bailey, Lilly and Jackson Valente and Emily and Sarah Howie. He enjoyed golfing at Silvermine Golf Club, boating and fishing Long Island Sound on his boat, spending a few months each winter at Pelican Bay in Naples, FL and being a member of Imperial Golf Club in Naples.
Gene had a 31 year battle with oral cancer and died peacefully at AVOW Hospice in Naples, FL.
The family is planning a memorial service to celebrate his life at a future date. With much gratitude the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The University of Miami Head & Neck Cancer Research, c/o Kelly Kirkpatrick, 1500 NW 12th Avenue, Suite 1020E, Miami, FL 33136 or to AVOW Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 where Gene received personal and loving care.