Joseph F. Howard ’79

Joseph Howard of North Attleboro, Mass., died April 17, 2010, after a courageous one-year battle with brain cancer.

Joe was a stellar student-athlete at Catholic Memorial High School — class valedictorian and state high-jump champion. While at Princeton, he was a member of Cottage. His wit and affability were legendary.

Joe enjoyed a 30-year career in Boston commercial real estate, working with several prominent companies, where he was known for his high standards of excellence and integrity.

A devoted husband to Jean and proud father of daughters Kara and Elizabeth, Joe was a beloved mentor to his daughters and the many girls he coached in basketball. His brother, Stephen, said, “Joe treasured his deep, lifelong Princeton friendships. For those who were Joe’s friends — and there were many — he spoke of them often and loved them all.”

Joe confronted his illness with courage and without complaint. Jerry Peacock ’79 said, “He gave it everything he had, never gave up, and lived his life to the fullest until the very end.”

In addition to his wife, daughters, and brother Stephen, Joe is survived by his mother, Eleanor; brother John; his brothers’ families; and many family members and friends. We mourn the passing of our dear classmate and extend our sympathies to Joe’s family.