Monday, April 15, 2013

Papadaddy


My grandfather- the greatest man I've ever known, the brightest star that ever shown, the deepest trust my heart did own.

I'm forever grateful for the countless gifts he gave me, including the our last visit- only 2 weeks ago.
listenening to the best storyteller
1989-  my little sister and me in San Francisco with our Papadaddy


****

Tom Howe died peacefully on April 14, 2013 at the age of 94 in Concord, New Hampshire. At his side were Amy, his devoted daughter and Bev, the love of his life. Born in 1918 in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, Tom was the eldest son of Margaret and Thomas Benton Howe, Sr. He was raised in Woodbury, New Jersey and attended Drexel Institute where he majored in physics and engineering. For over twenty-five years, Tom was in charge of the materials and Chem Lab at Sperry Gyroscope on Long Island. While at Sperry, Tom authored numerous scientific articles and filed many patents for his inventions, including the Ball Bearing Simulator (BSS).

Tom was a Renaissance man and a brilliant visionary. His interests and passions were wide and varied: sailor, scientist, architect, artist, inventor, poet, igloo builder and harmonica player.  He was “a Master of all trades, Jack of none.” (Beverly’s words!) Tom felt so lucky to have lived during a century that spanned such tremendous change, from the invention of airplanes, automobiles and crystal radios to the first moon landing, electric cars and 3D printers.

Tom, together with Bev, designed and hand built a solar heated home which housed the Huntington Cooperative Nursery School in Greenlawn, Long Island, directed by Beverly for over forty years. He was the resident scientist, affectionately called The Wizard of Oswego Drive, who charmed generations of young children by starting fires with flint and steel and tapping all the maple trees in the neighborhood.

Tom is survived by Bev, his wife of seventy years and their three children; Amy and her husband Bart, Jon and his wife Kathy and daughter Nancy, five grandchildren; Maya, Ana, Rick, Cass and Tim, four great grandchildren; Naia, Sylvan, Ayla and Noemi, sisters; Margaret June and Betty Jean, (pre-deceased by brother Happy and sister Susan), cousin Van, sister-in-law Carol and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends in Greenlawn and at The Harris Hill Center in Concord, New Hampshire. Tom played his harmonica and kept his sense of humor and sweet nature until the very end.
****

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25 comments:

  1. I'm sorry for you and your family's loss, Maya. Your grandfather sounds like an amazing person and I hope you will continue to take comfort in the wonderful memories you shared.
    Olivia

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  2. O Maia, you might be so sad of losing him, but also so happy that he was your grandfather.

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  3. You were all so lucky to have this man in your lives!! And will miss him tremendously....

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  4. What a beautiful tribute to your grandfather, Maya. And what a blessing to have had him as your Papadaddy! {{{hugs}}}

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  5. Beautiful writing, send you hugs, my grandfather is not so well these days.

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  6. Oh Maya, I am so very sorry. My most sincere condolances to you & your family.
    My grandfather was born in 1919 so it strikes a cord.
    Love to you & yours xoxo

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  7. May you be comforted by strong and deep memories of your life with your dear grandfather.

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  8. God bless the memory of your dear Papadaddy.

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  9. Iḿ sorry for your loss. My condolances to you and your family.

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  10. My heart goes out to you, Maya. Your Papadaddy sounds like a lovely man.

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  11. So sorry for your loss, Maya.
    ~Karen

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  12. What an amazing sounding person, Maya. Thank you for sharing his poem here. My sincerest condolences to you and your littles. Peace.

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  13. You and your family are in my prayers. I lived in Long Island for many years and I drove passed Sperry everyday from work and my neighbor worked their many years ago. It is a small world.

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  14. Sorry for your loss. But great that you had a great man in your life.

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  15. so sorry for your loss sweet friend. i'm so glad that you made it up to see him one more time...sending love to all of you.

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  16. Sorry for you loss. It sounds like he led an extraordinary life and touched many other lives.

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  17. What an extraordinary man, and a lovely tribute Maya. My condolences to you and your family on your loss.
    My father who died in 1979 at the age of 72 (and would be 105 this year) worked at Sperry Gyroscope (as an engineer) his entire adult life. Perhaps they knew each other.

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  18. Oh Maya. This is beautifully written, What a tremendous loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

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  19. My grandfather died last year(was born in 1934),so I understand you very well...a piece of me is gone with him...rest in pace him and condolences to you!

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  20. What a wonderful tribute! I am sorry for your loss, Maya!

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  21. Maya, I'm so sorry for your loss. I saw your mom this morning and she told me the news. This is such a beautiful description of a life well-lived. He sounds like such an inspirational man. Sending you and your family our love from the west coast.

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  22. So much love I his tribute. I'm sorry for your loss.

    Margie

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  23. Maya -So sorry about your Grandfather, he was a truly unique and amazing man. I wish you health and happiness. You are on our minds. Love Barry

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