Dr. Kenneth J. Howe, 78,
Retired Professor, WW II Army veteran

BRIDGEWATER, MA - Dr. Kenneth J. Howe, 78, died June 13, 2002 at his home in Bridgewater after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Pauline M. Howe for 52 years.

Born November 13, 1923 in Rochester, New York, son of Anna C. and Jesse S. Howe, he attended Rochester schools, the University of Rochester and Cornell University.

During World War II he served with distinction with the 100th Division of the United States Army in the European Theatre of Operations during the Battle of the Bulge. Until 1965 he commanded the U. S. Army Reserve Company B, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 187th Infantry Brigade in Brockton, MA. He was a life-long member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal.

He taught at the New York State College of Agriculture, Cornell University and at the University of Florida at Gainesville. He moved to Massachusetts in 1957 where he served as a professor and chairman in the Department of Biological Sciences at Bridgewater State College. He was also Dean of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and was a principal in the initial development and supervision of Aviation Science at the College before his retirement in 1988. He was a member of the Association of Plant Physiologists and Sigma Xi.

He enjoyed gardening, boating and saltwater fishing with his family and friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Spencer, three daughters, Holly, Wendy and Rhonda, and by four grandchildren, Adam, Jason, Adriana and Valeria.

Today we all gather in memory of Kenneth Howe, my father…

As far back as I can remember, he always told war stories. These were not about patriotism and defending his country, but rather of everyday events, and how simple carelessness got people killed. From these stories, I learned caution and to avoid leaving things to chance. For that, I am a better engineer.

For most of my childhood memory, he served as the department chairman of Biological sciences at Bridgewater State College. He worked long hours not only on department business, but also taking care that each student got a quality education. From watching him, I learned that haughty professors and even college presidents are people too. For that, I have more confidence.

He taught me to fish when I was 10. On the second trip, I had a tussle with a jack perch, and none of us was sure who would win. Soon we were trying salt water in Plymouth harbor. On the second trip, he caught a 15 lb. Striper, and we needed a bigger boat. His dream came true in '68 with the purchase of the Aquasport. From that console, he orchestrated literally thousands of fish, and thousands or hours of vivid life. I learned many things about nature, and a deep respect for the sea. For that, I honor him.

Kenneth Howe, my father, is gone. Let each of us sort out the gifts he has given us, and keep them to enrich our lives as we move forward.