Howland B. Faunce

January 12, 1933 - March 19, 2014

HOLYOKE- Howland �Howie� Baker Faunce, 81 was called safely home on March 19, 2014 with his loving family by his side. Howie was a man who was dedicated to his family, his community, his faith and was deeply committed and loyal. He was born in New Bedford, MA on January 12, 1933, the eldest son of Chester and Sarah (Hindle) Faunce. He graduated from The New Hampton, NH School in 1950. He went on to study drafting and machine design. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Korea and The Philippines. During this time, he received the National Defense, United Nations and Korean Service medals. Howie married the love of his life and soul mate, June Simard, in Holyoke on April 15, 1960 and shared 39 happy years with her before her passing. He worked in the fire protection business for over 35 years, starting his career as a sales engineer with Holyoke Valve and Hydrant and moving with his friend and mentor Ed Smith to Smith Automatic Sprinkler and finally to HFP/Holyoke Fire Protection, retiring in 1999. Howie was very active in the Holyoke community. He was a longtime member of the Holyoke Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris Fellow award in appreciation for his service to the community. He was a lifetime member of the Holyoke Elks #902 and the American Legion Post 351. Howie served as a longtime member of the Holyoke Salvation Army Advisory Board as well as on the Holyoke Board of Fire Commissioners from 1984-1991. He was an avid sports fan and especially cheered for the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Eagles. He enjoyed working in his yard, card games, jigsaw puzzles, volunteering, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He attended Bethany Assembly of God for many years before his illness. Howie was predeceased by his wife, June (Simard) Faunce. He leaves his daughter Elizabeth �Liz� Sullivan and her husband Bob of Easthampton, son Morgan of Raleigh, NC, granddaughters Haley and Meghan Sullivan of Easthampton, brother Sheldon Faunce and his wife Cheryl of Westfield, sister Cynthia Faunce of Boca Raton, FL, nieces Holly Amanti and her husband David of Westfield, Shelly Conti of Holyoke, nephew Chet Faunce and his wife Anne of Westfield and 8 great nieces and nephews. Howie�s family would like to thank all of his caregivers at the Holyoke Soldiers Home and Hospice Life Care for their loving and compassionate care. He was truly blessed to have them in his life. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 24, 2014 from 4-7PM at Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. A funeral home service will be celebrated at 10AM on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 and be followed by the burial with military honor in Forestdale Cemetery, Holyoke. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Howie�s name can be made to the Holyoke Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry St, Holyoke MA 01040 or to the Alzheimer�s Disease Assoc., 264 Cottage St, Spfld, MA 01104. Please visit www.messierfuneralhome.com for more details.