William was born on October 5, 1937 to the late William and Hazel (Leaper) Howell. He grew up in Hamburg before moving to Frankford Township in 1976. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a Truck Driver from the age of 16 years. William loved being on the open roads, behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. He was a member of the North Jersey Antique Engine Machine Club and competed and won over two hundred tractor pull competitions.
William is survived by his partner of 46 years, Rosemary Little; his children, Victoria Ambrose and her husband, John, Jill Bruno and her husband, Kenny and John Howell and his wife, Dawn; his siblings, Pat Hinkley and Glen Howell and his wife, Donna; his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Diorio and her husband, Jay and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, his son, William Howell, III; his sisters, Fay Hotelen and Nancy Perry; his brother-in-law, Win Hinkley and his stepson, John Little predeceased William J. Howell, Jr.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 11, 2022 from 3-7 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main Street, Branchville, NJ. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave, Newton, NJ 07860. Online condolences may be offered at www.woodfuneralhome.net.
