Charles Howard, 95, of Lambertville, NJ, died peacefully on Saturday, July 21, 2018, in the warm and professional care of the nursing and support staff at Neshaminy Manor in Warrington, PA.

Born and raised in New York City, Charlie attended Stuyvesant High School. Following high school he was employed by the Borden Company. He served with the US Army during World War II and was assigned to the 115th Signal Radio Intelligence Company. He was stationed in the Presidio in San Francisco and in Washington, D.C. The 115th successfully intercepted Japanese radio signals and deciphered their codes. Following his military service, Charlie resumed his education, graduating summa cum laude from Lafayette College with a degree in English. He was a member of Phi Betta Kappa. Charlie used his skills in electronics and engineering in his work with Boonton Electronics. He later worked as a writer and editor with Merck Pharmaceuticals.

In 1957 Charlie married the artist and photographer Josefina (“Fina”) Quinones in New York City. They traveled to Cuba and then settled in Mexico. They had two sons Stephen and Anthony. In 1968 Fina and Charlie divorced. Fina went on to open a successful restaurant in New York City, Rosa Mexicano.

Charlie moved to Lambertville in the early 1970s. He collected and restored antique calibration equipment. He played the clarinet and was a sharp chess player. Unassuming in appearance, he had a beautiful wit, vast knowledge and an appreciation of beauty in music, art, science and the natural world. An avid reader, Charlie wrote his own poetry. He was a friend to be called on for his sharp memory of old song lyrics. He could recite the dialogue of the Hollywood classic “Casablanca” line by line. With his friends he formed a card playing group, whose rollicking games of “Hearts” lasted well into the night. In the 80’s he opened the “Board Room”, a social gathering spot for friends and neighbors to play chess and other board games. He loved his tabasco sauce! Charlie was a familiar site, walking both his beloved German shepherd, Elvira, and his dog, Trey.

Charlie is survived by his grandson, Leonardo Howard, and his daughter-in-law Luz Maria Nieves Saavedra, both of New York City. He was predeceased by his mother May Howard and his son Stephen Howard.


There will be a memorial gathering on Tuesday, August 7, staring at 12 noon at the Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home, 21 York Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530 (vhmfh.com). Attendees will be invited to share their memories of Charlie.

Interment with military honors will follow at 2:30 pm at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

Donations in Charlie’s memory may be made to Fisherman’s Mark, 37 S. Main St., Lambertville, NJ 08530 or to Lulu’s Rescue, PO Box 46, Point Pleasant, PA 18950-0046.