The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
J. Gary Howarth, 72, passed away on October 26 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Gary was born on July 11, 1954, in New Brunswick to the late Joseph and Fannie (DeLeo) Howarth. He was raised in Somerset, where he remained a lifelong resident.
Gary enjoyed a successful career as a Director of Human Resources for various municipalities. He was also a longtime parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle Church in New Brunswick. Gary devoted much of his life to serving his community, particularly through his lifelong commitment to the fire service.
He joined the East Franklin Fire Department in 1975, beginning more than 50 years of dedicated service. Over the years, he proudly served achieving the rank of Chief and Franklin Township OEM Coordinator. He served on the East Franklin, Middlebush Fire, and Franklin Park Fire Departments. Gary also served as a Fire Commissioner for Franklin Township Fire District No. 3 and as an instructor at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy where he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow firefighters. His years of service reflected his deep dedication to his community and the friendships he formed along the way.
Beyond his professional and community involvement, Gary had many interests that brought him enjoyment throughout his life. He was an avid collector, with a particular fondness for clocks. He cherished time spent at the Jersey Shore, especially boating and being near the water. Gary also enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, where he liked to try his luck, as well as traveling and taking cruises. In recent years, visits to Disney World became another favorite pastime.
Gary was predeceased by his wife, Angelika Howarth; his sister, Elaine Howarth, and his father-in-law, John Woodring.
He is survived by his loving partner, Cheryl Palma; his mother-in-law, Sofie Woodring; sisters-in-law Maria Granholm, Christa Romeo and husband David, brother-in-law Bill Woodring and wife Rose; his sister, Joanna Baron and her husband, William; his cousins, Charles Cannata, Keith Cannata, Christine Cannata, and Dawn Cannata; “nephews” Jacob Lawson, Brandon Lawson and godson Owen Lawson; nephews, Paul Romeo and Devin Woodring and niece, Alexandrea Romeo and extended family members, and friends.
Family and friends may visit from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton Street.
Funeral services will begin at 9:15 a.m. Nov. 2 at Gleason Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Church in New Brunswick.
Entombment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Bridgewater.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the Middlebush Volunteer Fire Department, East Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Park Fire Department, or a local fire department of your choice.
