HOWE, John J. - Of Somerville passed away peacefully surrounded by family, January 31, 2022. Beloved husband of Sheila (O'Brien) Howe. Loving father of John Howe and his wife Karin of Wakefield, Kristen Kennedy and her husband Michael of Melrose, Gregory Howe and his wife Paige of CA and Erin (Howe) McGovern of Somerville. Brother of Marie Howe of Somerville, William Howe of FL and the late Desmond Howe. Cherished grandfather of Pierson, Harrison, Katherine, William, Barron, Jillian, Caitlin, Julia and Desmond. Funeral procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville, Tuesday morning at 9am, followed by a Funeral Mass in Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin Parish (St. Catherine Church), Somerville at 10:00. Relatives and friends invited. Calling hours Monday 4 - 7. Interment Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington, MA.

John was a lifelong resident of Somerville. He attended the Somerville Trade School, graduating in 1962. He was married to Sheila for 52 years. He worked at the First National Store for 10 years. He was a State Inspector for the MDC for 32 years, until his retirement in 2002.

John and his family enjoyed summers at Hampton Beach NH, first renting and then buying a summer home in 1980. He enjoyed the beach and was known as ,"The Unofficial Mayor of Hampton Beach." Spending summers raising his 4 children and spending time with his 9 grandchildren at the beach.

In the 1980's he enjoyed coaching the Howe Club Basketball team for the Somerville Recreation Program for nearly a decade. He also was involved in city politics as an Assessor for the City of Somerville for many years. His love for the city was undeniable, his famous line was ,"There is no place like home!" He will be fondly remembered for his loyalty, kindness, sense of humor, and big personality to all that knew "John Jo". He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.