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COLUMBUS—John Martin Howe, Sr. of Columbus, NC, left this earth peacefully on Friday, September 15, 202, after a long illness. He was surrounded by the presence and love of his family and friends, and the blessings of his faith in eternal life with the Lord.

John was born in Poughkeepsie, NY on December 8th, 1949 and lived in the Highland and New Paltz, NY area until his move to North Carolina to be closer to family, in March 2021. Formerly a resident of Laurel Woods, John moved into Hospice care at Ridge Rest in January of 2022. True to form, John maintained a good attitude and a generous disposition in spite of his hardships. He had a knack for knowing when someone needed a laugh, or when they needed a shoulder to cry on. He entertained people wherever he went, either with his infectious sense of humor or with his love of music. He was a fantastic drummer and some of his proudest moments were when he got to jam with famous bands. While working a summer gig at a New England concert center, Santana was among them! He retired from a lifetime of service as a truck driver with the Teamsters Union in August of 2001.

John was a devoted husband and father and raised two sons of whom he was very proud. A loving son, nephew, brother and friend, he lent a hand wherever he could and cared for many elderly relatives over the years. He was proud to be a Friend of Bill’s and worked hard in his sobriety. John was a simple, good, and decent man and he will be missed by many, most especially his family whom he loved and who loved him back, unconditionally.

John was predeceased by his father, Austin G. Howe, Jr., his mother, Leonora Costantino Howe Doyle, his Stepdad William R. Doyle, Sr., Stepmom Joan Van Nostrand Howe, Son John M. Howe, Jr., and wife Elaine Franklin Brennie. He is survived by his brother, Robert A. Howe Sr. and wife Lynn; his sister Analisa Domenica (ne Barbara Howe) and husband Rick Amendola; brother Michael J. Howe and wife Cindy; stepsister Susan Williams and life partner, Dick Appleman; nieces Theresa Howe and Riva Amendola Richards, nephews Robert A. Howe Jr., Blaze Howe, and Tyler Howe.

This past Sunday, September 17th, a memorial celebration was performed for him at Ridge Rest, in Columbus by his dear friend, Rev. Susan Warner. A future Life Celebration will be held, and John’s cremains buried in a family plot in Rhinebeck, NY at a date to be announced in the Spring of 2024.

Condolences to the family can be made to http://www.sandersfuneralandcremation.com