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Thomas Howard Obituary

88 years of age and resident of Whitehall, passed away surrounded by his loving family on November 6, 2023. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Leo and Mildred (Zink) Howard. Tom attended Allentown High School and served in the US Army during the Korean War. Before leaving for Korea, he married Eleanor Ehritz with whom he spent the next 67 years until his passing. After serving his Country, he owned and operated Howard Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and spent time at the family business until recently. Tom had a very full life. He was known for his skills on the handball court as well as his sharp wit. He loved the sun and going out to many Lehigh Valley restaurants dressed to the nines. He loved the Phillies and the Eagles and spent his last night watching his favorite team. Tom is survived by his loving wife Eleanor and his sons Thomas and wife Joan, David and wife Dina; sister Connie Wagner and half-brother Michael Howard; three grandchildren, one step-grandchild and four great-grandchildren.

Private services were held celebrating Tom's life

The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall

was honored to handle his arrangements

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Call on Nov. 9, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Timmy Allen

December 13, 2023

Howard family,
I just heard of Tom´s passing today. Please accept my condolences. I worked with Dave and Tom many years ago. Good times. God Bless.
Timmy Allen

Helene Reilly Fagan

December 11, 2023

Dear Eleanor
I was saddened to learn of your husband's death Condolences to you and your family
Sincerely
Helene Reilly Fagan

Linda Shankweiler

November 14, 2023

Dear Eleanor, Tom, Jr. and Dave,
So sorry to hear about Tom passing.
My sincerest sympathy.
He always made Dad laugh.
Heck, he made everyone laugh!
An end of an ERA.
Enjoy the memories.
Sincerely,
Linda Shankweiler

Sue Neupauer Martucci

November 13, 2023

Eleanor and family, very sorry for your loss.

mary badman

November 13, 2023

Eleanor and family - So sorry to hear about Tommie's passing - still think about him as a neighbor since our early childhood - now as a family member. Seems like only yesterday, his Mom took us swimming at Jordan Park, in the river, I might add. Love and condolences from North Dakota, Mary Lou

Sharyn Koplish

November 13, 2023

Eleanor,
I was so sorry to read about your husband's passing. Pease accept my sincere condolences. Your Bell Tel friend,
Sharyn Mann Kuli Koplish

Larry Shankweiler

November 12, 2023

Dear Eleanor, Tommy Jr., David and Family.
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Tommy was one of the best.
I have fond memories of Tommy over the years at Jordan Park playing handball. He was my Dad's playing partner for many years, whether it was in tournaments or just for fun. Tommy made us all laugh, especially when he was diving all over the court and crashing into the fence. I never seen anybody like him give it his all in the game of handball. He would come off the court all bloodied up, grab a beer, and lay in his lounge chair and catch some sun!
He was a dear good friend of my Dad over the years. Tommy, thank you for being there for him when he needed a friend. You and my Dad, and many other handball players from Jordan Park are in the heavens above playing handball together once again.
Rest in Peace Tommy, you'll will be missed!
Attached is a photo from the Morning Call in 1969.

Sylvianne Prorok

November 12, 2023

My deepest sympathies to the family.
Sylvianne Prorok

John Stevens

November 11, 2023

To the Howard Family, Sincere condolences, thoughts, and prayers. Please celebrate the life of Tom, who enjoyed life to the fullest, his country, sports ( especially handball), but most of all, his family. He enjoyed those very cold or snowy handball games on New Year´s Day at Alton Park. Thank you for serving!

Jacqueline Bonser

November 10, 2023

Tommy and Family
Very sorry to hear about your Father. Always enjoyed running into him at different restaurants. Always had time to talk with me. Cherish your memories of your Father.

Jackie (Heckenberger) Bonser
And Family

Grateful

November 9, 2023

Sir,
Thank You for Your service to our country.

God Bless You!
God be with your family!

Sincerely,
A Grateful American

John J. Scrizzi

November 9, 2023

Tom, Dave & Family,

Sincerely sorry for your loss. God Bless.

Robert J. Miklas, AT2AC, USN, 1963-1967.

November 9, 2023

"A soldier has passed away today." The final battle is now over and peace has been restored. You are now relieved from your post. A job well done fellow veteran. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. We all are grateful for your stepping up to the plate when your country needed you the most. The final bugle has sounded and taps is about to sound ending a successful career as a nation´s defender. Farewell fellow veteran. A Navy Vietnam Veteran.

Denise M. Kametz

November 9, 2023

Good Evening To The Howard Family~
So very sorry for your loss, Tom was a wonderful man and good friends with my dad, Chuck Gardner ("Chuck's Barber Shop"). They enjoyed many good times at Jordan Park playing handball; that was THE sport back in the day : )
Hope all those beautiful memories created will be cherished forever; keep them close to your heart. Warmest Regards, Denise M. Kametz

Jeff Stauffer

November 9, 2023

I can say that laughing and joking with Tom was one of my life's greatest pleasures. He was more than a boss to me, he taught me many life lessons that I remember to this day. He was one of my favorite people and I feel blessed to have known him.

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