Howard Gillette Tuttle Jr.

Howard Gillette Tuttle, Jr., of Essex, CT, born May 9, 1939, passed away suddenly on September 20, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and friend whose warmth and love of life touched many.

Howard was born to the late Howard Gillette Tuttle and Eleanor Rosein Tuttle, and was also predeceased by his brother, David Tuttle. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (Peggy) S. Tuttle; his children, Howie (Susan), Katie (Bill), and Sam (Erin); his stepchildren, Allison Crawford (Fred) and Michael Hawley (Helen); his cherished grandchildren, Walker, Kendall, Elijah, Rose, Claire, Chase, Misha, Tor, and Eliza; and his sister, Bobbie Remedios, and her husband, Rem.

Howard was educated at Hamden Hall Country Day School and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, before proudly serving in the United States Army. Following his service, he earned his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

He joined The Lee Company in 1975 as Treasurer and ultimately retired in 2005. He remained a vital part of its Board of Directors and continued to provide consulting services up until his passing. Howard gave back generously to his community, serving on local boards including the Essex Library Association, and as an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Essex.

A lifelong sailor, Howard’s love for the water began at Sachem’s Head Yacht Club, where he started as a steward in his teens and went on to become a devoted member. He raced Ensigns and later Sonars, served as Commodore, and dedicated countless hours to the Club and the sailing community. He passed that passion on to his children, creating memories on the water that will be treasured for generations.

Beyond work and service, Howard loved nothing more than time with family and friends—whether “messing about in boats,” playing endless rounds of golf, traveling the world, spending time with his pups, or simply enjoying time together.

A private family service will be held, with a reception to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations especially meaningful to Howard: ● Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries P.O. Box 804, Essex, CT 06426 ● Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT 06426.

Howard will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, steady presence, and deep love of family, community, and the sea. He will be dearly missed.