Howard John Sculthorpe

Howard John Sculthorpe, age 91, passed away on January 21, 2026. Born on May 5, 1934, in the Bronx, New York, Howard lived a life defined by service, adventure, humor, faith, and an unwavering love for people.

He grew up in Long Branch, New Jersey, and later attended Steven’s Institute of Technology in New Jersey where he met the love of his life, Allene. They married on October 6, 1956, beginning a devoted partnership that would carry them across the country and through decades of shared purpose. In October 1957, they moved to the Los Angeles area, where they began raising their family with the births of Michael and Cecile. Career opportunities led them to Connecticut, where Douglas and Bruce were born, then to Michigan, where they welcomed Audrey, followed by time in Mississippi where he finished his career as Director of Engineering at Vickers. In the early 1990’s seeking the perfect place to enjoy retirement, Howard and Allene settled on Jekyll Island, Georgia, which became their cherished home.

Service to others was not just something Howard did. It was who he was.

Throughout his life, he volunteered extensively in every community he lived in. He gave his time to organizations including Goodyear College, Habitat for Humanity, and local voter polls, along with numerous other civic efforts. A devoted member of the American Red Cross, Howard organized blood drives on Jekyll Island and proudly collected the five-gallon donor mugs earned through repeated donations. His commitment to service extended to the Lions Club, where he held a lifetime membership, received the prestigious Melvin Jones Award, and helped establish the Brunswick chapter.

Howard was also a devoted Catholic and faithfully attended St. Francis Xavier, where his quiet commitment to his faith was reflected in the way he lived his life — generously, humbly, and with compassion for others. He was a church lector, lay minister and usher since his days in Michigan and participated in many other church leadership roles through the years.

He never met a stranger. Howard could strike up a conversation anywhere, often surprising people by speaking a few words in their native language. Social, witty, and lovingly described by his children as a man with a razor-sharp wit and commentary always at the ready in the most affectionate sense, he brought laughter and warmth wherever he went.

A cancer survivor, Howard faced challenges with resilience and determination. He lived actively and fully, enjoying traveling, golf, sailing, and crabbing, and he found joy in music, playing both the mandolin and piano .

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Allene Sculthorpe; his parents, Cecil and Helen Sculthorpe; his sisters Helen, Audrey and Agatha; and a cherished granddaughter, Courtney Brianne; as well as many extended family and friends

Howard is survived by his children Michael, Cecile, Douglas, Bruce, and Audrey, along with his 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a multitude of extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Jekyll Island Georgia Lions Club, the Brunswick American Red Cross, or Skylark of Brunswick, organizations that reflect Howard’s lifelong dedication to service and community.

Howard was an exceptional man who leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith and service that will continue to ripple through the communities he helped build and the many lives he touched.