March 28, 2024

David Howard Remembered 1941-2021

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Long time reporter, editor, novelist and publisher David Howard, passed away in July.  Dave was 80 years old.  Dave was the editor and news columnist for 28 years for the East Providence Post and after that he worked for 7 years at the East Providence, Seekonk and Rehoboth Reporter.  Dave was highly respected for his accurate and stimulating columns and covered all aspects of news and special events, especially for East Providence.  Before social media and televised public meetings, Dave attended city council, school board and zoning meetings in person and his accounts of those meetings served to inform thousands of residents every week.  “What does Dave Howard say about that?” was often the cry from readers.  Dave would give a straightforward recap of local meetings and then would often give his own journalistic opinion in his popular commentary columns. 

On the day Dave died, dozens of residents wrote condolence messages on Facebook.  “How very sad.  He was a superb journalist and a very nice fellow.  May he Rest In Peace,” wrote Candy Seel.  “He was a super guy! I always loved reading his articles in the Post and Reporter! He was so interesting to talk to,” said another.  “So sorry to hear this. Dave was a wonderful guy who was well respected throughout our community,” wrote Joe Medeiros.  Most comments were similar and may have been summed up when one person said simply, “Dave Howard was part of the fabric of East Providence.”

Owner publishers of the Reporter NewsMag, Dick and Barbara Georgia offered their condolences to the Howard family.  “Dave was a wonderful man and writer.  He will be sadly missed,” they wrote.  “I am deeply saddened at this loss,” said East Providence City Councilman at Large Bob Rodericks and a current contributor to the Reporter.  “Dave gave me my start in newspaper writing when he was at the East Providence Post.  Later he would introduce me to the Reporter.  I would contribute columns on politics and current events and I consider him a literary mentor.  His professionalism and journalistic integrity will be greatly missed.”

Dave led a life of service to others.  Born in East Haven, CT he wasn’t a Townie by DNA, but he understood East Providence more than most.  After receiving a master's degree in writing at Vermont College of Fine Arts he served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1966-1969.  He spent many years in community journalism working in Ct. and later would work as Public Relations Director at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI.  Before retiring, he served as a public relations specialist for the East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) and he taught writing and was a published author of 25 short stories.

The entire staff of the Reporter News Magazine sends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dave Howard.  Dave was one of a kind and he certainly left us with a legacy of profound journalistic accomplishments.

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