John W. Howard died peacefully in Vero Beach, Florida, on Sept. 17, 2015, from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and heart failure, which he combated with characteristic courage and dignity. He was 90 years old.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice Van Loon Howard; their four children: Betsy and husband Tim White; Chip and wife Susan Clark of Minneapolis, Minnesota; son Doug of Charlotte, North Carolina; and son Mark and wife Marion of New York City; and his six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

John, known as "PJ" (Papa John) to his grandchildren and extended family, will be fondly remembered and deeply missed for his wisdom, kindness, sense of humor and keen insights. He has been the recognized patriarch of this clan, which had come to rely on his counsel and steady hand in all matters.

John grew up in Walpole, Massachusetts, the son of the late Charles R. and Mildred J. Howard, and younger brother of the late Jean Howard Barr and Robert J. Howard.

John's family initially began spending summers in Edgecomb during the 1890s. Over the years and the generations, the Edgecomb cottages became the central gathering point for the extended Howard/Barr families.

He graduated from Amherst College in 1949, after having served his country in World War II. John was wounded in the German battle of the Hurtgen Forest, and spent over a year in several hospitals. For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and several other military distinctions.

He was an entrepreneur and trail blazer in many regards. With his brother Bob and college friend Grant Holt, John founded Holt Howard Associates (HHA), which grew to be a pioneer in the export/import business of housewares during the post-war era.

HHA changed the way America drank coffee by introducing coffee mugs at a time when cups and saucers were the standard. Many Holt Howard products have become highly desirable collectibles due to their whimsical designs and bright colors.

John worked well into his 80s and spent his final years in the sunshine of Vero Beach, and fishing the Sheepscot River with his wife, Allie, and extended family. Services will be held in Edgecomb next summer.

Donations in his memory may be made to Old Colony YMCA of Southeastern Massachusetts, Big Sister Big Brother, 320 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301, www.oldcolonyymca.org or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.