Warren "Frank" Howard

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Warren Franklin Howard, affectionately known as Frank, who left this world on March 8, 2026, in Providence, Rhode Island, after a brief illness. Born on May 4, 1947, in Brockton, Massachusetts, Frank was the beloved son of the late Donald K. Howard and Myrtle M. (Soderbom) Howard of East Bridgewater. He was predeceased by his devoted wife, Dorothy (Leary) Howard.

Frank will be dearly missed by his surviving siblings: John Howard of East Bridgewater, Lucinda (Howard) Perry and Melinda (Howard) Packard of Lakeville, Rebecca (Howard) Da Silva and brother-in-law Tony Da Silva of Brockton, and Michael Howard and sister-in-law Nanette Howard of Bridgewater. He is also survived by his cherished nephew Matthew Perry and wife Desire Perry of Wareham, as well as nephews Andrew Howard and Kevin Howard of Bridgewater, and nieces Sarah St. George and Elizabeth Kelliher of Brockton. Among his many great-nieces and nephews, he shared a particularly special bond with Cadence Perry of Wareham.

Frank grew up in Brockton, where he graduated from Brockton Trade School in 1965. A talented welder, he spent over 40 years perfecting his craft in various fields. His skills extended to motorcycle modification, classic car restoration, and van conversions. Frank's career included a significant tenure at Helio Aircraft at Hanscom Air Force Base, culminating in his retirement as a heliarc welder in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he lived from 1999 until returning to Massachusetts in 2011 after the passing of his beloved wife. He ended his days living with his two sisters, Lucinda and Melinda, in Lakeville.

Frank was truly a free spirit, embracing life on his own terms. He was an adventurous soul-an enthusiastic skydiver and a motorcycle aficionado who once rode solo from Massachusetts to Darlington, South Carolina, to attend a NASCAR race. A lover of music in all its forms, he enjoyed the rhythms of classical, jazz, country, blues, and especially the Beatles. His fondness for live music often took him to intimate venues in the Boston area, where he experienced performances by artists like Richie Havens and Roy Orbison. A proud supporter of WUMB, Frank also had a passion for NASCAR, drag racing, and golf, frequently sporting a Yankees cap to spark conversation, all while secretly cheering for the Red Sox.

Known for his warm heart and generous spirit, Frank was a fixture in his Lakeville neighborhood. He had an innate ability to connect with those around him, often seen walking his beloved dog, Mugsie, multiple times each day. A regular visitor of West Island in Fairhaven, Frank cherished the daily sunrises alongside a community of fellow dog walkers. His kindness and genuine listening ear left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Frank Howard's unique spirit and warmth will be profoundly missed but forever cherished in our hearts.