Obituary
Groveland, FL – Howard “Howie” A. Shumway, 75, passed away peacefully at his home on January 31, 2021 after a short illness. Born in New Bedford, MA on September 22, 1945 to the late Orsman A. and Marion D. (Shurtleff) Shumway, Howie is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Muriel “Bunny” D. (Tremblay) Shumway; his son Paul C. Shumway and partner Renu Noppakhun of Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand; his daughter Lisa J. Shumway of Glen Ellyn, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn (Shumway) Marshall.
Howie grew up in Fairhaven, MA and graduated from Fairhaven High School in 1963 and from Massachusetts Radio, TV, and Electronics School in Boston, MA in 1965. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965-1966. He had a 30+ year career at Commonwealth Energy / NSTAR. He and Bunny lived for 35 years in East Freetown, MA before retiring to Honolulu, HI and then to Groveland, FL. For many years Howie was an active member of Mullein Hill Baptist Church in Lakeville, MA and had served as a deacon, trustee, and volunteer at the church and at Mullein Hill Christian Academy. He was a lifelong tennis player and recently especially enjoyed the comradery of the many folks with whom he played nearly every morning at Koko Head District Park in Honolulu, HI and at the Trilogy Orlando 55+ community in Groveland, FL.
Playing and performing music was a big part of Howie’s life. For more than 25 years he played the vibraphone and keyboards in “The Coastals” band with his good friends Bob Gagnon, Allen Ponichtera, and the late Ronnie Lyonnais. He was a member of many church-related music groups including those at Mullein Hill; Kaimuki Christian Church in Honolulu, HI; First Chinese Church of Christ in Honolulu, HI; and Horizon Community Church in Downer’s Grove, IL. Most recently he enjoyed being a member of the Trilogy Musician’s Initiative at Trilogy Orlando.
Howie was a wonderful spouse, father, and friend to many. He was a generous guy who unfailingly put others first. In his memory, please do something kind for someone else, be it someone you know or a stranger. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Howie’s memory may be made to Mullein Hill Christian Academy, 25 Staples Shore Rd, Lakeville, MA 02347. His family is grateful for the outpouring of support, prayer, and encouragement from family and friends near and far. Please note that there will be no formal services at this time; a Celebration of Life is planned for a later date at Cornerstone Community Church (formerly Mullein Hill Baptist Church) in Lakeville, MA.
This is Howie back in the 80's in the radio shop at Com/Electric
I was so saddened to hear of Howie’s passing. What a great guy- always willing to help others, and with such an enthusiasm for life and service. Praying you will be wrapped in God’s comfort at this time. Love to you, Karen (Burton) Frenette
We are so sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful cherished memories warm your hearts and sooth your souls.
With love & sympathy,
Margaret & Karen Medeiros
Fall River, MA.
Dave and Michelle Lang
Connie, David & Christopher Shumway
Our life here on earth is so short.
Julie Villeneuve