Hale A. Howe

CLEARWATER, FLA. — Hale Arnold Howe, 92, died at Manor Care in Dunedin, Fla. Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007, after several months of declining health.

He was born November 17, 1914, in Tunbridge.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter K. Howe and Evie M. (Farnham) Howe; and his wife of 58 years, Constance M. (Brisson) Howe.

Survivors include his daughter, Hollie G. Douglas and her husband Robert J. of Cary, N.C.; three grandchildren, Robert J. Jr. of Tariffville, Conn.; Catherine M. Meacham and her husband William of Raleigh, N.C., and Theresa A. Sterlina and her husband Patrick of Apex, N.C.; and six great-grandchildren; Amber and Kristen Meacham, Douglas and Anne Sterlina, and Robert J. III and Elizabeth Douglas.

He graduated from South Royalton High School in 1932 and attended the University of Vermont. Several years after his marriage he moved his family to Athol, Mass., where he owned and operated the Better Business Bureau and was also a Fuller Brush salesman. After relocating to Windsor, Conn. in 1952, he continued with Fuller Brush, then joined Windsor Ford as a car salesman. In 1971, he and his wife moved to Clearwater, Fla., where he was a Dodge relations manager until he retired in 1981.

He enjoyed the Florida climate, especially growing and sharing fruit from the many citrus and avocado trees he’d planted in his backyard. His other interests included a love of music from the big band era, reading the daily newspaper, and working crossword puzzles. He was an excellent speller and was known for remembering birthdays and anniversaries.

A convert to the Catholic faith, he attended mass each Sunday even after he could no longer drive himself. He was a member of the Vermont Club Suncoast, and attended meetings with other Howe relatives. He also was a member of the B.P.O.E., both in Connecticut and Florida.

He believed in helping others less fortunate than himself, and was a supporter of many charitable organizations. After his wife died, he served as a Carelift volunteer for Morton Plant Mease Health Care for over 10 years.

There will be no service at this time. Arrangements were made with the National Cremation Society of Clearwater, Fla.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, Fla., 33760.

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