M.W. Joseph J. Howard Biography 2004
JOSEPH JAMES HOWARD
On October 22, 1928, Brother Joseph J. Howard, the son of John and Sarah Howard, and one of seven children, was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Brother Joe spent his formative years in Bridgeport, attending the public schools at Waltersville Elementary School and Warren Harding High School. During his high school education, Brother Joe joined the work force part time for the First National Food Stores, where, in time, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Manager, and worked in First National Food Stores in Bridgeport, Fairfield, and Norwalk, Connecticut. Joe eventually left First National Food Stores to try his luck at door to door sales. In 1950, he joined U.S. Electrical Motors in Milford, Connecticut. Here, Brother Joe again made steady advancement from Storekeeper, to Lead Man, and finally to Night Foreman.
After several years with U.S. Electrical Motors, Brother Joe made one last major career move, he applied for a job with the U.S. Postal Service. The Postal Service hired Brother Joe as a postal clerk in 1958, and he was promoted steadily from Clerk, to Supervisor, then to Station and Branch Manager, until 1986, when he retired from the Old Saybrook Post Office as Assistant Postmaster.
Brother Joe's colorful work career is directly related to his Masonic Service. It is a parallel that can be drawn by anyone who knows this man. Starting at the bottom, striving to move to the top, and through his effort and labors, attaining it. Brother Joe is an achiever.
Brother Joe and his wife, Sondra, recently deceased, were married in 1951. They had four children: twin daughters, Sharon and Karen, a son Michael, and a third daughter Susan. Sharon, Susan, and Michael are married and among them have blessed Joe with eight grandchildren.
While raising his family, Brother Joe was active in the Cub Scouts, as well as the Boy Scouts, and also coached his son's basketball team. He was, and still is a devoted family man. His moral principles would allow no deviation. He was a devoted husband, and is a devoted Father. He still travels several times a year to visit his son and daughter's who are located in various parts of the country.
Brother Joe's religious service is also no less distinguished than his previous endeavors, and no less active. In Church he has served as Co-Superintendent of the Church School, leader of an adult education class, Vestry member, Licensed Lay-Reader and Chalice Bearer, Delegate to the Diocesan Convention, Representative to the Bridgeport Deanery, Executive Board Member of the Greater Bridgeport Council of Churches, and Chairman of the Diocesan Lay-Readers Committee.
Most Brother Freemason's can recall an instant in time where his interest in Masonry was first sparked. This is no less true for Brother Joe. It happened some forty years ago by a man who was to become his Father-in-law, who was deeply involved in his own Blue Lodge, as well as Scottish and York Rite Masonry. However, due to the time involved in caring for his family, Joe was not able to cultivate this spark into a flame until some years later.
It occurred in May of 1979, at one of Siloam Lodge's infamous annual Shad Bakes, that this ember did finally burst into a flame that has burned strong and bright. Joe asked about joining the fraternity, was given a petition of membership, submitted it filled out with the proper credentials to Siloam Lodge No. 32, A.F. & A.M., Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Joe was voted into the Lodge and received his Entered Apprentice Degree on November 12, 1979. He passed to the Fellowcraft Degree on December 12, 1979 and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on January 2, 1980.
It Should be no surprise that Brother Joe, who was so active in so many other things, was also an active officer in our Lodge. Brother Joe sat through the rank until, in 1985, was elected as Master for 1986. Worshipful Brother Joe's year went smoothly as Master not only because of his strong inherent character, but also because of his skills as a diplomat. These skills hold true to this day, for there is seldom a problem within our lodge that can't be rationalized and solved through the wisdom of Brother Joe's council.
Most Worshipful Brother Joe was also active in the Grand Lodge, serving as District Deputy of Masonic District 7B for three years: 1989, 1990, and 1991. Most Worshipful Brother Joseph Howard was a visible Grand Lodge Officer for those three years, attending Lodge communications in our district on a regular basis. Currently he is serving as the Vice-President of the Past District Deputies Association. In 1996, Brother Joe was appointed Grand Junior Steward by Charles W. Yohe. He has served as a member of the Grand Lodge Membership and Retention Committee and the Hospitality Committee. He has served as the Grand Master of Masons in CT in 2004.
Brother Joe has also involved himself in many of the other Masonic bodies. Brother and Companion Joe is a Past High Priest of Burning Bush Chapter, No. 29, Royal Arch Mason. He is also the Grand Custodian 8th district for the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Mason's of Connecticut. Brother Joe has also served as a Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Columbia Council No. 9, where he is also currently the treasurer. Brother and Companion Joe is also a Sir Knight, and is a member of Cyrene Commandery No. 8 where he is a Past Eminent Commander and an officer in the Grand Commandery. He is also president of the Sphinx Temple Ritual Caste, a member of the York Rite College No. 17, the Order of Amaranth, Nutmeg order of Sword of Bunker Hill, and Senior Knight of Mohawk Council No. 28, Knight Masons of U.S.A., and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.
In the Community, Brother Joe serves as a AARP Tax Counselor to the Elderly, and is a member of the Old Saybrook Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). He has also done many things for the community that titles are not, nor can be applied. Brother Joe helps other people. As a small example, Brother Joe finds time to visit as many of Siloam's Widow's as he can, as well as many elderly friends who are unable to get out much.
