Thomas F. Howard

Thomas F. Howard, 90, of Joliet, IL died peacefully at home surrounded by his family, including his beloved rescue dog Shadow.

Born in Milwaukee, WI, Tom served honorably in the Navy and then graduated from Marquette University. He later received his MBA from Bradley University.

Tom held various executive positions in the wine and liquor industry, including with the former Illinois Wine and Liquor Company in Plainfield.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Timothy J. and Ethel Howard; his sister, Mary Helen Smith; his brother, Rev. Timothy J. Howard, S.J.; and his son, Timothy.

Tom is survived by his wife of 65 years, Catherine (Kuhar); son, Tom Jr.; daughters, Mary Jo (Richard) Keca, Susan M. Howard, and Kay (Ken) Crandall; grandchildren, Richard, Joseph, and Stephanie Keca, Ashley Howard, Kyle Crandall, and Morgan (Kurt) Hofius; and great grandchild, Luke Hofius.

The family thanks Tom’s exceptional caregiver Lexi Stebic.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the Will County Humane Society.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 7, 2022, at 10:30am at St. Mary Nativity Church in Joliet, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Per Tom’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet.