Thomas A. Howard

Thomas Angel Howard, a first generation American whose parents hailed from County Mayo in Ireland and who came to this country and settled in the City of Detroit raising seven children, died Tuesday, December 21st, 2004 at the age of seventy five. Mr. Howard was born in Detroit August 1, 1929, and baptized at St. Gregory's Catholic Church. He graduated from St. Gregory's High School in 1948 and went on to attend the University of Detroit and the Detroit College of Law, graduating in 1958. Mr. Howard also became a member of the Supreme Court of the United States Bar Association. Mr. Howard specialized in criminal defense trial work, earning a reputation as an extremely skillful cross-examiner. In addition to representing clients in many high-prifile trials, he represented numerous indigent clients on a pro bono basis, never seeking attention or recognition for his generous contributions of time and money during his 45 year career in the practice of law. Michael, Mr. Howard's oldest son, describes his father as a brilliant, creative thinker, with an analytical mind and gregarious personality who devoted his life to the service of others. In addition to spending time with his three sons, he loved to gather his entire extended family including twenty-two nieces and nephews to participate in weekly outings at the local roller rink. These outings were always followed by supper for everyone at a nearby restaurant where he would hold court over the entire family. One Christmas he bought all of his nieces and nephews a new pair of skates. Every Christmas he would buy scores of gifts for all his friends and family. Christmas was his favorite time of year. Mr. Howard is preceded in death by his loving parents, Michael J. Howard and Ann (Derrig); his former wife Margaret J.; his son John R.; and his brothers Patrick Joseph, Austin Anthony, and Michael Joseph. He is survived by his oldest son Michael; his wife Marsha; his son Astin F.; granddaughter Jennifer (Thomas) Howard Kennedy; grandson Daniel Joseph; great grandson Thomas R. Kennedy IV; sisters Mary Howard Stolberg, Ann O'Hare, and Julia B. Howard; along with many nieces, nephews and loving friends. A lifelong friend of Bill W. Visitation Sunday December 26 and Monday December 27 2-9 PM at Vermeulen Funeral Home 46401 West Ann Arbor Road, Plymouth (Between Sheldon and Beck.) In state Tuesday 10 AM until 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. James Catholic Church 46325 West Ten Mile Road Novi (between Taft and Beck.) Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 107 April Dr, Suite 1, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. To leave a message of condolence for the family, click on the Online Condolences link on this page.

Thomas A. Howard

December 21, 2004