Matthew Andrew Howard Jr.

Matthew A. (Matt) Howard, Jr., of Alexandria, VA, passed away on May 29, 2021. He was born on September 15, 1933, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Beatrice and Matthew Howard, Sr. Matthew, Sr. was a combat veteran of World War I and fostered his son’s life-long interest in military service and civic duty.

Matt graduated from Boston College in 1955 and pursued a 26-year career as a U.S. Army officer. He was a specialist in guided missiles and artillery and a Vietnam War veteran. He was awarded the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters for combat action leadership. After retiring from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel, he pursued a second career as a physics teacher at Langley High School in McLean, Virginia, where he also served as the faculty sponsor of student leadership groups. He was honored as the Langley High School Teacher of the Year in 2010 and recognized for his special contributions mentoring students and emphasizing good citizenship and the importance of service.

Matt married Joan O’Connell of Boston, Massachusetts, on September 6, 1958. He is survived by Joan and their five children. Matthew Howard, III (Delia) is Chief of Neurosurgery at the University of Iowa; Mary Howard (Chuck Rosenberg) is an attorney practicing in Virginia; Ann Marie Irwin (Bill) is a civil engineer in Virginia; Joan Smith (Kurt) lives in New Jersey; and John Howard (Dana) is a retired Air Force officer and commercial airline pilot living in California. Matthew and Joan have 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Matt was a devoted and caring officer, teacher, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His life was grounded in his commitment to his nation, his church, his family, and his community, without fail. He never sought nor needed personal attention or recognition. His greatest joy and satisfaction came from helping others, being with family, and sharing in the happiness of their successes in life. We loved him dearly and he will be sorely missed.

In remembrance of Matt Howard’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).