Phillip Howard

Phillip Howard LEBANON, NH — Phillip Howard passed away on Thursday, October 13 at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH. Phillip was born in Claremont on March 21, 1942 to Ezra Howard and Irene (Pond) Howard. He was raised on the family farm and Howard’s Junk Yard in North Charlestown where he learned a real strong work ethic which stayed with him his entire life. He attended St. Mary Catholic School, Claremont and Charlestown High School. Phillip was employed in his younger days for Priney Construction, a floor installer, and oil delivery driver for Lambert Oil Company. Later on, he was employed at CanAm and Sturm Ruger. In 1985, he started his own business North Easterrn Painting Company which he operated for over 25 years. He specialized in interior and exterior painting, carpentry, repairs, sealcoating driveways, and line striping parking lots. He completely renovated three houses in Claremont, built a 2,000 sq. ft. garage as well as renovated an additional house in Charlestown. There was nothing that he couldn’t do from general contracting to mechanics. His passion was in auto racing and being a car enthusiast. He raced at Claremont Speedway in the 1960s and became New England Dirt Track Champion racing Car No. 611 in the Class B. Division. Throughout the 1960s, he worked with his best friend Richard Skillen in building and racing Car No. 12 at Claremont Speedway. Later on Phil joined Dick on the NASCAR and ARCA circuit racing at both Daytona and Talladega super speedways. Phil was involved in both local and national political campaigns. First in 1996, when his friend Richard Skillen entered the NH Presidential Primary. Phil was right at his side as his campaign manager. From 2009-2012, Phil was right by his wife Cindy’s side when she ran for city council, school board, and NH State Senate. In 2012, Phil was city chair for Ron Paul for President, and in 2015, he was appointed Sullivan County co-chair for Donald Trump. Phil believed strongly in the Constitution and was a strong supporter of the tea party movement. He is survived by the love of his life, best friend, and dedicated wife of 32 years, Cynthia (Coolidge) Howard, his three children, Jeffrey Surrell, North Charlestown, Phillip Howard, Jr. and wife Mare, Henniker, Christine Cheney, Hillsboro, his sister Virginia “Jennie” Ingalls, Hernando Beach, Fl, his brother-in-law Robert Ingalls, seven grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces including Whitney and Olivia Skillen and nephews, sister-in-laws, cousins, friends Richard Skillen and Charlie Bruce, and his beloved pets Jake, Prinze, Bandit, and Tiga. Phil was predeceased by his parents, two brothers Robert Howard and Perry Howard, a sister Lorraine Boardman, his mother-in-law Marion Coolidge, and his father-in-law LeRoy Coolidge. Visiting hours will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home on Thursday, October 20 from 5 -7 p.m. Funeral Services and mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church on Friday, October 21 at 11 a.m. with burial services to follow at Mt. View Cemetery.