Howard was born April 23, 1918, in West Warwick, Rhode Island the second son of Alfred Louis and Gertrude Charlotte (Grochowski) Stebbins. Shortly after Howard was born the family relocated to Jewett City, CT., where his father was employed as Master Mechanic and later as Superintendent of the Ashland Cotton Company. The family lived in Jewett City until late in 1929. Howard completed the 6th grade in the Griswold Riverside Grammar School. The family then re-located to Pawtucket, RI. The family made several more moves during the early 1930’s and finally settled in Norwich, CT in 1933. Howard attended Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, CT and graduated in 1936. Upon graduation, Howard worked for the J.B. Martin Company on Franklin St. In 1938 he went to work for the Boston Post newspaper, the job only lasted one year. In 1939 Howard applied for a job as a draftsman at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT. He worked for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft until 1977 and retired from the facility in North Haven, CT as a Senior Design Analyst / Programmer.
Howard entered military service during World War II with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in May 1943. His military service was as an electrician in the 355th General Service Engineer Regiment, 9th Army. His service was in the European Theater of Operations and he quickly rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. His unit arrived at Omaha Beach about 30 days after the D-day invasion on July 4, 1944. His unit did considerable construction work to complete the “Red Ball Express†highway which aided the rapid advance of General Patton’s Third Army. His unit also built several vehicle and railroad bridges during the later part of the war in Europe. His unit stayed in Germany until December 1945 and Howard was discharged at Fort Devens, MA on December 15, 1945.
Howard was a Master Mason and member of Anchor Lodge 112 (A.F. &A.M.) of East Hampton, CT and received a 50-year membership pin in 2001.
Howard married the former Marguerite Dilworth the daughter of Albert and Catherine Dilworth on May 15, 1942 at the Greeneville Congregational Church in Norwich, CT. Howard and Marguerite were members of the Greeneville Congregational Church. There was one child born of this union, Gary Robert Stebbins on December 6, 1951. Gary and his wife Maria (nee Colon) are residents of Fort Wayne, IN. Howard and Marguerite have four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service with full military honors on Saturday morning at 10:00 in the Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich.The visiting hours will be Friday from 5 – 7 PM in the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Masonic Service will be held at 6:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Ste 300, Rockville, MD 20852.
Howard had an impressive history and an interesting life. It was so nice to read about him. Our sympathies to Gary, Maria and all the family. God Bless you all! With love, Cindy and Larry
Gary and Maria, Leonard, Theresa, Erik, Cindy, and Family:
Prayers are with you on the passing of your Dad, Grandpa Stebbins. The funeral, arrangments are beautiful and meaningful to all who view the details, whether in person or on-line. Thanks for sharing the life of Howard Stebbins, both here and in the past. Wishing you all of God’s blessings always, and miracles every day! Love and prayer support, from your Huntington, Indiana Mary’s Fiat friend, Jan
Dear Gary,
Although we never had the pleasure of meeting your father, we have met you. You are your father’s legacy – a good man, loving husband and father. Any father would proud! God bless all of your wonderful family.
Gary, sorry to hear about your father. Circumstances worked out so you could be with him at the end. There are no coincidences. We are all part of a bigger plan. My condolences. You are Maria are in my prayers. God Bless!
We will all miss you Uncle Howard. My best memories were of the family gatherings on the holidays when we could all be together. I appreciate that you were there for my dad in his final years. May God bless.
Love,
Wayne (and Sue)
Gary,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories of him.
God Bless,
Robin
Gary, our prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Gary, I am so glad you were able to spend the time with your Dad, I pray you will find peace and remember the wonderful times. You know you are in my prayers.
Gary, God be with you during this time of sorrow; We know that your Father is in a better place now.
God will grant you and your family Peaceand Comfort, that is why he chose another Angel named – Howard Albert Stebbins. Howard’s name was written in the Book for Eternal Life – You will see him again! God Bless
Gary – I hope that you and Maria will find peace and comfort. Your Dad is in a better place and I’m sure that he would want you to hold your head high and proudly carry on the Stebbins name. You are in our prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you and your family.
Another one of the” Greatest Generation” has slipped away from us. Howard was a great help in my search for family members and I will miss him. Howard had a life well lived. Rest in peace Howard. All my sympathy to his family