Obituary of Douglas A. Howard

Boeing Retiree

Douglas Alden Howard, age 89, of Granite Farms Estates in Media PA passed away on April 6, 2024

Doug was born December 23, 1934 in Northampton Massachusetts where he graduated from Northampton High School in 1952 and the University of Massachusetts in 1956. He married his sweetheart Marilyn right after college on September 9, 1956, and the newlyweds promptly moved to Delaware County, PA to begin their life together. During their time together, Doug and Marilyn lived in Middletown Township where they raised their family before moving to Gradyville.

Doug spent his entire 39-year career at Boeing in Ridley Park where he became a Landing Gear expert, working many programs including the CH-47 Chinook and the V-22 Osprey. He was respected by all, was a great teacher and mentor and when he wasn't solving engineering problems you might find him playing harmless pranks on his colleagues. He was also a member and President of the High Meadow Civic Association and The Aston Middletown Jaycees.

Doug was a formidable and loving father to his daughters Bonnie Collins and the late Heidi Howard. He always had time to help with homework, take long bike rides, and even build a treehouse. He was incredibly creative and organized many neighborhood events including croquet tournaments, picnics featuring chariot races and yearly Halloween Haunted Houses. He also treated anyone with a celebration to original poems which he typically read aloud to the delight of guests. He was also a loving Grandfather to his two grandchildren Shannon and Sean. He spent many hours with them building forts, playing Barbies, and even built several catapults to their amazement.

In 1988 Doug and Marilyn embarked on a lifelong dream to design and build their own timber frame house located in Gradyville, PA. They were able to spend 20 years in this glorious home which Doug maintained with loving care.

Doug and Marilyn did retirement right and travelled the US and Canada in their Dodge van including hiking into the Grand Canyon twice. They also loved travelling to Vermont, Cape May, Bermuda and Mackinac lsland, Ml where they biked around Lake Huron. They traveled to Europe including Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland and France.

Doug was an avid photographer, loved riding his bike, painting, sketching and spending time outdoors. He will be missed dearly by his devoted wife of 67 years Marilyn M Howard, his daughter Bonnie Collins (Kevin) of Rutledge and his two grandchildren Shannon and Sean Collins, and his nieces and nephew in Vermont and New York. He is predeceased by his parents Rodney and Amner Howard, his siblings, Eunice and Curtis and his youngest daughter, Heidi Lyn Howard.

As he wished, services will be private. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Aston, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Alzheimer Association, 399 Market St. #250 Philadelphia, PA 19106.