Howard S. Peters

Howard Peters, of Manchester, died peacefully on Saturday, February 6, 2021, age 93, following a short period of illness. Born on March 28, 1927 in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the second son of John Edward and Mary Elizabeth (Fisher) Peters. He is survived by his beloved and devoted daughter Gail Peters of Manchester, his beloved son and daughter-in-law Gary and Dianne Peters of Sydney Australia, his cherished grandson Tristan and wife Jasmine, and new great granddaughter Amalia, all of Sydney, as well as a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews in Connecticut and Tennessee. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife Maggie, and his brother James of West Haven Connecticut.

Howard was raised in West Haven where he attended the Washington Primary School and West Haven High School. At that time West Haven was a tight-knit community, and he was fond of recalling his childhood, of riding his bicycle everywhere, and during junior high school working as a part-time delivery boy at Cornell’s Drug Store. After graduating from high school, he enlisted with the US Navy in the final months of WWII. On completing recruit training, he was posted to Gulfport Mississippi and then to the US Naval Separation Center in Nashville Tennessee. It was in Nashville that he met his future wife Maggie, and they remained devoted to one another for the rest of their lives. Following their marriage on September 2, 1947, they moved to Connecticut, and lived in Hartford and Windsor before settling permanently in Manchester in 1950. He was a member of the Center Congregational Church in Manchester for close to 70 years, and regularly attended Sunday services until the final months of his life. During the 1960’s he was involved with Boy Scout Troop 25, and remained an interested supporter thereafter.

Howard was offered a part-time job with AT&T in 1943, while still in high school. Following the war, he resumed employment with the company, now on a full-time basis, and remained with them until his retirement in 1987. During his working life he witnessed, and was a part of, the rapidly developing telecommunications industry, including microwave TV transmissions, and related technologies. He was devoted to his family, sharing an interest in their activities and taking pride in their achievements. His parents instilled in him a strongly developed sense of right and wrong which he passed on to both of his children.

Howard travelled extensively throughout his life. Over the years he and Maggie visited most parts of the United States, with occasional trips to Canada, and two extended trips to Australia. Favourite destinations were eastern Tennessee, southern Florida, and more recently Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He enjoyed fine food, whether prepared at home or in one of the area’s restaurants. He was a voracious reader of books, with a particular interest in the US Civil War. He was fortunate to enjoy a long and full life, living independently at home and remaining active and fit until the last months of his life.

Services will be held at a later date, to leave a memory or message of condolence for the family, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

Calling Hours will be held Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 2-4pm at the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040 with a memorial service to follow at 4:00 pm. 

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