John R. Howland Esq.

John Robert Howland, Sr., Esq., 77, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024. Born on May 26, 1947, he was Thomas and Helen Howland's youngest of five children. John had a deep love for his family and community living his entire life in and around the city. He graduated from Lafayette College where he was an ROTC 2nd lieutenant and underwent US Army training in 1973, serving in a domestic capacity. Then, John earned a juris doctor degree from Villanova University School of Law achieving the highest score in school history on the Pennsylvania Bar Exam.
John joined his father at Howland and Hess Law Firm and dedicated his career to the practice of law. John remained a steadfast presence as the firm grew to become Howland, Hess, Guinan, Torpey, Cassidy, O'Connell & Birnbaum, LLP.
John was past President of the Montgomery County Bar Association, Northeast Lions Club, Roosevelt Tennis Club, and was an active member of the Montgomery County Child Advocacy Project, Camp Kirby for hearing impaired youth, and numerous other organizations. He was a servant-leader dedicated to helping all in his community regardless of circumstances and known to have accepted farm fresh eggs in payment for legal services.
Family was the beating heart of John's life, and his love for children was always on display in his role as a devoted father and granddaddy. He treasured family gatherings, especially camping trips, where he instilled in them a love of nature, adventure and stargazing cuddled with an army blanket on lake beaches. Together with Kathi, he enjoyed traveling, "glamping," and cherished vacations at the Jersey shore. An avid tennis player and participant in Sunday flag football games, he embraced every opportunity to share his passions with his family.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen (nee Kerrigan) Howland and his six children: Michele Howland Jones (Frank) and children (Zach, Frank, and Cassie); Lori Jones (Chris) and children (Evan and Tyler); Courtney McKinley (Allan) and children (Reed and Isla); Erin Landy (Mike) and children (Brayden, Madison, and Joey); John R. Howland, Jr. (Jackie); Patrick Howland (Annie) and children (Patrick, Vincent, Jackson, and Isabella). John also cherished his stepchildren: Lauren Umlauf (Dave) and children (Emma, Zoey, and Charlie); Katie Creveling (Candace) and child (Mars); Karly McGowan; Michael McGowan (Tierra) and children (Ava and Ezra). John is also survived by his siblings, Thomas S. Howland, Jr. (Dolores), William Howland (Judy), Jane Grim (John), and Leeanne R. Hay (Gary), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Helen Howland, and his sister, Rev. Margaret E. Howland.
John will be remembered for his warmth, humor, commitment to family and serving his community. His legacy of love and devotion to others will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to John's Life Celebration and Reception on Sunday, November 10 at the John F. Givnish Life Celebration Home. Memorial Visitation and refreshments from 1PM - 3PM with a Celebration of Life from 3PM - 5PM with all invited to share their memories of John.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Montgomery Child Advocacy Project (MCAP) in John's memory. https://www.mcapkids.org/