Howard Walter Birch

BERLIN - Howard Walter Birch of Berlin, son of Carl and Alma Birch, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 24, 2024, after a short illness. He was born in Quincy, MA, on December 1, 1932.

Howard grew up in Quincy, 3 blocks from his future wife, Audrey Irene Lowe Birch. They were married 64 years until her passing in 2019. They enjoyed doing things together, particularly camping, from their honeymoon in a pup tent, to an RV in later years. He was an avid sailor and loved their dogs.

Howard was a self-taught craftsman mastering electrical, plumbing, and woodworking to build the home they lived in. His Boy Scout strengths developed into being a tinkerer, convinced that anything broken could be fixed. He attended Upsala College then worked most of his years at Baird Atomic as a Mechanical Design Project Engineer where he designed and built a spectrometer used worldwide.

Howard will be lovingly remembered by his son, Eric D. Birch of Berlin, daughter Christine P. Laliberte of Rutland, his grandchildren Sara, Andy, and Caith, as well as his many nieces, nephews and grandchildren, and his sister-in-law Linda Birch. He was predeceased by his wife Audrey, brother Richard Birch, and sister Winifred (Winnie) Hesemeyer.

There will be no funeral services. A Family and Friends Celebration of Life will be held August 3rd in Rutland. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sterling Animal Shelter, 17 Laurelwood Road, Sterling, MA 01564. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com