Obituary of Michael Howard

.A hero doesn't have to be a baseball player or a soccer player, actor or a movie star. A hero can be someone who is sitting right next to you. This person could be your hero because they loved or did something nice for you or even just being a friend.. Michael "Moe" Howard was a true hero and friend who unselfishly dedicated his life to others. On October 26, 2010 the alarm sounded. Moe was called, and faithfully went home to the Lord at the age of 50. Michael "Moe" Howard was born in Camden and had been a resident of Sicklerville. He felt very deeply about his faith and was an active parishioner of St. Simon Stock (previously, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) Parish in Berlin. He had been a Eucharistic Minister and served on Parish Council, the Fundraising and hospitality committees and had been a member of the Knights of Columbus. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property. Moe began his career and dedication to the fire service at the Blackwood Fire Co., Station 84 in 1976, where he joined as a junior firefighter. Shortly following he joined the Glendora Rescue Squad 89, where over 12 years he served as 1st Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant and Rescue Captain. In 1983 Moe returned to Blackwood Fire Co. and had served as Treasurer, Lieutenant and Captain. In 1987 Mike became a Camden County Fire & Ambulance Dispatcher until his retirement in 2008. in 1997 Moe Joined the Winslow Twp. Fire Department at the Cedar Brook Fire Co., Station 25-3 where over 10 years he served as a 1st Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief and then in 2002 Battalion Chief. Moe had retired from the fire service, after 31years, in 2007. As a NJ State Fire Chief's Parade Judge Moe has enjoyed the many parades and events that he was a part of from 2001 to the present. Chief Howard had remarkable courage and always used public service as a way to help his community. This calling, to give of myself, most do not understand. But, I stand ready all the time, to help my fellow man. Chief Howard is the son of Rose (nee Davis) and the late Earl Russell of Blackwood & the late Eugene J. Howard. Mike is survived by his wife of 29 years Adrienne E. Howard (nee Knoll). He is the father of Sharon M. Henry (Kevin Briggs) of Delran, Linda Garczynski (Jim Gauze). and Joanne E. & her husband John P. Connors both of Winslow Twp. Mr. Howard is the proud Grandfather of Joshua, Zachary, Christopher, T.J. and Danika. He is the uncle of Randy Joey, Christen, Tommy, Marisa and is also survived by his siblings Patricia & her husband Louis Santiago and Eugene & his wife Christine Howard. Relatives, friends and brother firefighters are invited to remember, salute and honor Moe on Monday evening between 5:00 and 9:00 pm at the LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home 441 White Horse Pike, Atco. Everyone is asked to gather on Tuesday at St. Simon Stock Parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Campus, White Horse Pike & Franklin Ave., Berlin to celebrate Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm. There will be no viewing on Tuesday morning. Interment and graveside tribute will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin. As an expression of sympathy, acknowledging the fight against cancer the family asks everyone to purchase a bracelet in honor of Mike at the funeral home.