Howard P. Hanford

HOWARD P. HANFORD, 90 MACHESNEY PARK - Howard P. Hanford, 90, of Machesney Park passed away Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, in Swedish-American Hospital. Born Sept. 25, 1918, in Rockford to Zolman and Margaret Henen Hanford. Married Pauline Marie Rosella on Nov. 22, 1947, in St. Anthony Church, Rockford. Howard worked for WPA in the '30s and built roads in the northwest. After his retirement from Ingersoll, he worked in maintenance for many years at Park Towers, where he and Pauline lived. He was a motor machinist mate second class in the U.S. Navy in World War II from 1940 through 1946. He was a member of the Masons, 32nd degree; a member of Valley of Freeport; a member of the Shriners; and loved traveling, spending time with his family, leather craft and riding his electric scooter. Survivors include sons, Michael (Sandy) Hanford of Machesney Park and Patrick (Mary) Hanford of Rockford; daughter, Marguerite (Salvador) Guerrero of Rockford; sister, Arvilla Joseph of Rockford; grandsons, Joshua (Mindy) Hanford, Isaac (Jane) Guerrero, Aaron J. Hanford, Aaron M. (Liz) Hanford and Christopher (Tessa Hemerley) Hanford; granddaughters, Sarah (Dan) Bailey, Rebekah (Bill) Thompson, Rachel Hanford, Naomi (Brian) Eneking and Catherine (Andy Grant) Guerrero; great-grandchildren, Noah, Kaylea, Lily, Samuel, Maddie, Carmen and one on the way; and several nieces and nephews. Howard was predeceased by his wife, Pauline; brother, Sherwood, lost with all hands aboard when the U.S.S. Trout went down in World War II; and "damn near everybody else." Masonic service at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Rockford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, with visitation from noon until service time. Because he was a member of the greatest generation, Howard will be buried with military honors at Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children or a children's charity of your choice. To send condolences online, visit honquestfh.com.