Willis Edmund Howe

Willis E. (Bill) Howe of Bradford Road, Keene, NH, died January 6, 2024, following a brief illness. Bill was born in Wolfeboro, NH, and lived his early childhood in Sanbornville, when during his fourth elementary school year the family moved to Portsmouth, NH. Bill graduated from Portsmouth High School with the Class of 1950.

Bill and several of his good friends joined various armed services following graduation from high school, to serve in the Korean War. Bill enlisted in the Air Force and was honorably discharged in March of 1954 with the rank of A/1C (airman first class). He enrolled at the University of New Hampshire and graduated with a BS degree in Business Administration with the class of 1958.

On August 24, 1957, Bill and Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Croteau were married at St. Bernard Parish, in Keene. They were introduced by a mutual friend, fell in love and later married. The following year, Bill graduated from UNH, their daughter Brianne was born, and Bill and Betty moved to Jaffrey, NH, where they lived for 7 years while Bill worked in the office of D.D. Bean and Sons as assistant controller.

In 1965, Bill joined The Holbrook Grocery Co. in Keene, NH as assistant controller and the family moved to Bradford Road in Keene. In 1969 Wetterau Inc., one of the largest grocery wholesalers in the U.S. purchased The Holbrook Grocery Company. Bill had an accomplished career with Wetterau and was promoted several times to his role of President of the Keene Division. In his role, Bill and Betty enjoyed their extensive travels throughout the U.S. and the world with many good friends and colleagues. In 1993, Wetterau Inc. was purchased by Supervalu and became the largest grocery distributor in the U.S. Bill remained in his role as President until he retired in 1996.

Bill always considered himself to be very fortunate to have raised five children, alongside his wife, Betty. He is survived by Brianne Gray and her husband David (Keene, NH), Scott Howe (Waldoboro, ME), Mary Beth Coughlin and her husband JR (Swanzey, NH), Tom Howe and his wife Kathy (Tyngsboro, MA), and Meg Redinger and her husband Chris (Dunstable, MA), along with 9 grandchildren, Leigh, Matt, Meghan, Phoebe, Charlotte, Gerritt, Carleton, Abbie and Max, and a newborn great granddaughter, Zanetta. Bill is also survived by his loving sister, Peggy Abbott and her husband, Bob of Rochester, NH, and many extended family members and friends.

Following high school, the Air Force, college and marriage, Bill had a wonderful, caring family life, a brilliant and fulfilling career and considered himself fortunate to live and work in the community of Keene, which he loved, for his entire adulthood. His family and close friends will miss him.

In keeping with Bill’s request, there will be a private family service.

Any donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society, in ℅ St. Bernard Parish, 161 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431, would be appreciated.