Howard Wendell Proctor

Howard Wendell Proctor
August 16, 1933 - June 21, 2024

Howard W. Proctor, age 90, of Andover, died at Beverly Hospital on Friday.

He was born in Rutland, VT, to Harry Raymond and Martha Melissa (Howard) Proctor. He had two older siblings Shirley (m. Coombs) and Charles Proctor and was raised in Fair Haven, VT.

As a child, Howard was gregarious, rambunctious, and could often be found leading numerous antics and shenanigans, especially with his neighbor and lifelong friend, Joe Sweeney. He attended Grammar School and High School in Fair Haven before joining the United States Army at the age of 19. He was a veteran of the Korean War.

Howard married Patricia Grace Little of Fair Haven on July 12, 1958. She remained the love of his life for over 63 years. They had three sons, Stephen Wendell, Stuart Kent, and Christopher Jay Proctor.

After their marriage, Howard worked as a photographer for Harding Glidden Photography Studio, before moving with his family to California. When they returned to New England, he continued to build a varied career as a photographer, campground owner, handyman, ski rental manager at Pat’s Peak Ski Area, and materials manager for Concord Hospital. The Proctor family spent over thirty years establishing roots in Henniker, NH.

After retiring, Howard enjoyed spending winters in Florida, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and his church, boating, fishing, traveling, and above all, spending time with his family. Howard and Patricia hosted many family and friends, especially grandchildren, at their homes in Henniker, East Andover, and New London, NH, before moving to Massachusetts to be closer to family.

Howard is survived by his son Stuart and wife Lisa, son Christopher and wife Melissa, daughter-in-law Kathy, 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. Howard was predeceased by his wife Patricia, brother Charles, sister Shirley, and son Stephen.

Services will be held at 1pm on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Central Congregational Church in Newburyport, MA. Burial will be at 11 am on Sunday, June 30, 2024 in Henniker, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Howard’s name to Essex County Habitat for Humanity, 14 Park St, Danvers, MA 01923 or to the chapter of the donor’s choice, or to Honor Flight New England, honorflightnewengland.org.