Howard J. Openshaw II

1931 - 2023

Howard J. Openshaw II, 91, of Toms River, NJ, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, June 16, 2023. Howard was born on August 7, 1931 in Jersey City, NJ to the late Howard J. Openshaw I and Catherine (Devine). He was a lifelong resident of Jersey City, NJ before settling in Toms River, NJ 15 years ago.

Howard will be forever held in the hearts of his loving family, his wife of 67 years, Joyce, son Michael, son Howard and his wife Michelle, daughter Patricia and her husband Frank Lanza and daughter Jill, five granddaughters Ashley Lanza and her husband Robert Komer, Stephanie Lanza, Jessica and her husband Glen Lane, Valerie Lanza and Caragh Openshaw, great-granddaughter Charlotte Komer, brother-in-law, Roy Beeler, sister-in-law, Barbara Openshaw as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Robert & David and sisters Jean Hogan, Delores Miller and Kathryn Mucci.

Howard proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Marines during the Korean War from 1951-1954. Upon his return from the war he was employed as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service and was owner of Briody's Tavern in Jersey City before joining the Hudson County Sheriff's Office where he retired as Captain in 2006 after 37 years of service.

Howard is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #127 and American Legion Post #129. Howard enjoyed playing golf, telling Dad jokes and spending time with his loved ones. Everyone who knew him loved him instantly. He will be remembered for his selfless nature, kind spirit, strong leadership and genuine heart of gold. Howard's absence leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he impacted.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 from 2 to 6pm at the Carmona Bolen Home for Funerals, 412 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. A funeral service will be celebrated at 5:30pm at the funeral home. Committal will be celebrated privately. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.carmonabolenfh.com

In lieu of flowers the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the following Go Fund Me for Forgotten, The Korean War. All donations will benefit this aspiring author, allowing him to travel the country and meet with more Korean War Veterans, hearing and preserving their stories. One of these stories is Howard's and sharing his story for the first time ever was one of one of his proudest moments in his final years. https://gofund.me/edda4c5f