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Richard John Howard, Sr.

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | June 12, 2024

Richard John Howard, Sr., 81 of Elizabeth Township, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024 after an extended illness. He was born October 18, 1942 in Manhattan, NY to the late Carole (Blostic) Lilley. He lived with the late Harry and Juanita Howard until he was five years old where he established a strong and solid foundation which helped him throughout his lifetime. After traveling throughout several states, he reunited with his parents, lived in Cokeburg, PA and eventually Port Vue, PA. Rich enlisted in the United States Navy when he was seventeen years old and was active duty from 1959 through 1963, before he was honorably discharged from the Naval Reserve in 1965. In 1963, Rich met the love of his life, Grayce (Meisl) Howard, and they married on January 18, 1964 at St. Michael's Church. They lived in McKeesport and Blaine Hill before settling in Greenock, PA where they raised their family and many dogs. Rich retired from US Steel as a machinist after thirty-five years of service. He owned and established Howard Window Fashions for many years. He loved old cars and trucks, the older the better. He attended many car shows and events, entering his 1938 Plymouth truck which he restored and drove proudly. He owned over sixty automobiles in his lifetime. He was a true car guy.

He is survived by his wife of over sixty years, Grayce, and his children. His son Harry (Elizabeth) Howard of Allison Park, and their son, Alec (Shelbie) Howard of Port Vue. His son, Richard (Lori Decolati) Howard, Jr., many nieces and nephews, and his special niece Kristine "Krippy" (Jack) Cant of Greenock. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; brother, Rodger Lilley; sister-in-law, Judith Stofko; brother-in-law, Stephen Stofko; and nephew, Stephen Stofko. Friends are welcome Friday, June 14, 2024 from 3-7pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Service will be held Saturday at 1pm at Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Campus. Interment will follow at Round Hill Cemetery. The family would like you to honor Richard by driving your special vintage or classic car/truck to the funeral procession on Saturday. The family would also like to thank all of his caregivers for their amazing care given to Rich over the last several years. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

Originally published June 12, 2024.

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