Joseph C. Howell

Joseph C. Howell passed away on February 22, 2016 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.
Joseph was born in Washington, D.C. in April 1922 to Joseph C. Howell and Maria Christina Peterson. He attended elementary and high school in Washington, D.C. and moved to the Peterson Farm in West Haven, CT in June 1938.
On April 30, 1949, he married Virginia Young. They raised 4 children and were happily married for 66 years.
Joseph joined the CT National Guard on September 6, 1940. His unit, the 208th Coast Artillery Anti‐Aircraft was activated in January 1941 and trained at Camp Edwards in Cape Cod. In February 1942, the unit deployed to Australia. They participated in battles in New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, and Southern Philippines. He was wounded in action at Leyte in December 1944 and spent three months in the hospital at Biak.
He was honorably discharged in June 1945. During his service he rose from Private to Staff Sergeant. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart, Presidential Distinguished Unit Badge, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two service stars, the American Defense Service Medal and the Asiatic Theatre Campaign Ribbon with five service stars.
Joseph joined the Savin Rock Hose Company No. 4 in April 1946. He was appointed a probationary fireman on May 1, 1950, Grade B fireman on November 1, 1950, and Grade A fireman on May 1, 1952. He was appointed Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal on February 20, 1959. He was appointed Chief of the Department February 5, 1971 becoming the first Chief to go through the ranks of the paid department.
He was a charter member and a past president of Local 1198, International Association of Firefighters, and past president of West Haven Fireman's Mutual Aid. He was a charter member of the New England Association of Fire Marshals and served on the Board of Directors. He was a member of the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators and the National Fire Protection Association. He was a charter member and past president of the West Haven Municipal Employees Credit Union.
He was a boating enthusiast enjoying fishing and outings with the family on Long Island Sound. Joe was a charter member of West Haven Coast Guard Flotilla 17-11 and was a past Commodore of City Point Yacht Club.
After retiring in 1981, Joseph spent time traveling with his wife Jinnie, and eventually they split their time between Florida and Vermont. They enjoyed many winters in Florida and belonged to an active retirement community. He was a past president and member of the board of directors of Parks Edge Homeowners Association.
He was an avid organic gardener with a love for tractors and spending time outdoors. He created beautiful stained glass pieces for his family. He was a skilled carpenter and participated in many projects in Vermont. Among his many achievements his family was his proudest.
Joseph is survived by his children Marybeth Howell (Ashland, Oregon), Kerry Lane (Ira, Vermont), Joseph Howell Jr. and Kathy (Yakima, Washington), Dayle Howell Smith (Olympia, Washington). He is survived by grandchildren Cheray, Shaina, Marissa, Arwen, Margaret, Kay, Eamon, and Paul.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jinnie, brothers Russell, Raymond, Frederick, sister Helena, son-in-law Carson, and grandson Robin.
A graveside service will be held in West Haven, CT at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to West Haven Fire Department, 366 Elm Street, West Haven, Connecticut 06516.
An online guestbook is available at www.aycockportstlucie.com