John W. (Jack) Howard passed away Jan. 14, 2018 from natural causes. He was 93 years old. He lived most of his life in Skaneateles and then retired to Bluefield Manor in Auburn in 2007.
He was raised in Bloomfield, N.J., where he was an accomplished student athlete. Jack attended Dartmouth College where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. While in his undergraduate years, he joined the U.S. Navy V12 program becoming a naval officer in World War II from 1942 to 1946. He served in the Pacific Theater as a ship’s officer on an LSM amphibious ship.
After the war, he returned to Dartmouth College for his master’s degree as a teaching fellow. His affection for and involvement with Dartmouth were lifelong. He was an alumnus class president and interviewed entrance candidates for many years.
Jack joined DuPont in 1948 as a research chemist and went on to positions in manufacturing and technical sales. He went into business for himself in 1969 and pursued careers in recycling waste chemicals and oil. He ended his career as a marketeer and broker of natural gas. He retired at the age of 80.
Jack’s community involvement was long and varied. He developed and conducted community blood drives for the American Red Cross, and was an award-winning member of the Masonic Lodge 522 of Skaneateles. As a member of The Skaneateles Country Club he served as Commodore, board director and two term president.
Worshiping at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles was a significant part of his life. He served on its session multiple times and took many leadership roles. His greatest joy was to mentor four church sponsored Sudanese Lost Boys and to be a co-founder of the Duk Lost Boys Clinic. He served the clinic as its project manager, director of operations and chairman of the John Dau Foundation.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruth, and a family of four children: Suellen, Robert (Claire), Joann (Charles Hymes) and Jonathan. His family totals 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles Memorial Fund.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.