Richard B. Howe

OAKHAM - Richard B Howe, 76, a long-time resident and former Chief of the Oakham Fire Department, died peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester. He was born in Worcester, the son of Kenneth and Evelyn (Braune) Howe and graduated from North High School in Worcester.

Richard studied at Nichols college, was a roofer and went on to work at the former Norton Co. (now Saint Gobain) for 26 years, retiring as Master Mill Operator in 1999. Since 1974, Richard had answered the call to serve as a firefighter in his beloved town of Oakham. From 1995 to 2003 he served as Fire Chief. During this time he was active in the New England Association of Fire Chiefs and the Massachusetts Association of Fire Chiefs.

Richard truly had a love and appreciation for the outdoors. Although he enjoyed fishing, hunting, logging and camping, he was also content sitting on a wharf in Plymouth, Maine or Ft. Myers, Florida to admire how the boats calmly came in to the dock. Richard adored his grandchildren, was thrilled to accompany them to Disney World and attended their sporting events regularly. For several years he looked forward to joining his late sister Barbara in Fort Myers to catch the Red Sox spring training. Richard will also be remembered for his love of the Patriots, playing board games and for the love of his cat who will miss him dearly.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his son Andy Howe and his wife, Elizabeth of Oakham; his daughter Patricia Humphrey and her husband, Curt of Westminster; his grandchildren, Paige, Colson and Griffin; his former wife, Nancy (Wood) Howe and many nephews and nieces who he adored.

A memorial service honoring and celebrating Richard’s life will be private at a later date. The Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden is assisting the family with arrangements.

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