Rodney "Gilbert" Howard

Rodney “Gilbert” Howard, age 87, of Middleboro, husband of Susanne (Sterling) Howard, passed away on Saturday September 24, 2022, at All American Assisted Living of Raynham, MA, following an extended illness with Alzheimer’s. Born on Sunday October 14, 1934, in Hyannis, MA, he was the son of the late Rodney D. and Susan (Burgess) Howard.  

Gilbert was a humble man with a heart full of kindness, generosity, and joy. Following his graduation from Middleborough High School in 1952, Gil joined the United States Navy and served during the Korean War. Upon his discharge he began his extensive career with the former New England Tel & Tel, now known as Verizon.  

As the son of a professional golf instructor, Gil spent many a day on the golf course and passed this passion on to his son and grandsons. A true family man, he enjoyed attending the activities of his children and grandchildren. After raising their family, Sue and Gil spent their retirement years vacationing in Florida (Disney World always a family favorite destination), cruises where they met new lifelong friends and traveling cross country visiting many golf courses along the way. Alzheimer’s may have taken his memory, but his smile, laugh and twinkle in his eyes remained true and strong. One thing Gil never forgot was his rhythm, sharing his very last dance with his only granddaughter Janelle at her wedding. He might not have been able to get down and “break dance” like he used to, but his hands would not stop moving to the beat whenever there was music playing.  

In addition to his beloved wife Susanne of 65 years, Gil is survived by his daughter Barbara, son Dana & his wife Lynda, daughter Victoria and her husband Richard Markarian, grandchildren Mickey and his wife Rachel, Derek and his wife Carissa, Janelle and her husband Kyle, Cameron, Stetson and his wife Sarah, and Mitchell, great-grandchildren Harrison, Harper, Clara, Dawson, Stetson, and William, and several cousins, many nieces and nephews, and extended family at All American Assisted Living, and Compassionate Care Hospice. Gil was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth “Betty” Green and brother Albert “Terry” Howard.  

All are welcome to attend memorial visitation for Gil on Monday October 3, 2022, from 4:00 – 7:00PM at Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home 280 Bedford Street Lakeville, MA 02347. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gil’s name may be made to the Middleborough Council on Aging, 558 Plymouth Street Middleborough, MA 02346. Gil’s cremains will be laid to rest in Mt. Wollaston Cemetery in Quincy, MA, at a private family service. 

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