Thomas Lincoln Howard

Torrington- Thomas Lincoln Howard, 74, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2021, in his home amongst his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Jeanne Ruwet.

          Tom was born in Waterbury on September 24, 1946, son of the late Donald and Eileen (Lincoln) Howard. He married his wife, Jeanne, on September 13, 1980 and they have happily spent the last 40 years together. Tom was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School and served as a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard from 1965 to 1971. His career was largely spent working with people with disabilities and their families with the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services. He spent his retirement caring for his home and garden and spending time with his beloved dog, Duff. Throughout his life he enjoyed traveling, making cross country trips across the U.S. several times as well as searching for his roots in Ireland and many annual family vacations. Tom also had a love of painting and poetry. His caring and selfless manner was his gift to the many people he touched with his work and life. Tom will also be remembered for his wonderful skill for storytelling and making people laugh.

          Survivors, in addition to his wife, Jeanne, include his son, Sean Ruwet-Howard of Torrington; his sister Beth Rainey of Millerton, NY; his sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Nick D’Amelio; his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Joe Bannon; and sister-in-law Barbara Howard, all of Waterbury; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Tom was predeceased by a brother, John “Jack” Howard, and his sister, Donna Vadnais.

          Funeral services will be held privately. Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington, is in care of arrangements.

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to A Helping Hand Fund, ℅ Litchfield Hills Adult Daycare LLC, 407 Bantam Rd Litchfield, CT 06759 or Thomas Howard Memorial Fund for Alzheimer’s Support, ℅ Northwest CT Community Foundation, 33 East Main Street PO box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790.

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