Thomas Howard

Thomas Mills Howard, 81, born in Phoenix Arizona died Sunday, June 12, 2022 from natural causes. Tom grew up in California but moved to an historic home along the Connecticut River in the 1970’s.  “Tom” was the much-loved son of Velma May and Isaiah Crudup Howard, both of whom passed many years earlier.  Tom was predeceased by his older sister, Nancy Willett, who died April 2021. Tom was also predeceased by his lifelong partner, Douglas Dickenson, who departed in 2003. Tom is survived by his beloved brother Crudup “Skip” Howard, age 86, Skip’s wife, Carol, both living in Idaho; and his nephews Andy Howard from Virginia and David Howard from California.

Although Tom had no children he had many kind friends, all of whom he loved dearly.  Tom obtained a Fine Arts degree from UCLA but his occupation was mainly as an antique dealer and furniture upholsterer. His shop was the well-known Howard House Antiques on Main Street in the historic district of East Haddam along the Connecticut River.  For more than 40 years it was a popular destination that patrons would browse while on their Sunday drives. Tom also had a bed & breakfast service within his c. 1839 home that accommodated quite a few interesting characters. The home was built by Epaphroditus Dickinson, an original ancestor of the witch hazel producers and relative of the poet. He also designed sets for several plays, a movie, and decorated homes for friends.  In his later years, Tom sold paintings at the Dudley Farmers Market in Guilford, CT and in the Essex Arts Festival on the Green in Essex, CT.  He showed paintings at Spectrum Art Gallery in Center Brook, CT.

Tom will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His remains will be buried in California in a family plot.

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