Michael Howard

Michael Howard, 68, of South Carolina, passed away on February 27, 2025, suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Mount Pleasant of an apparent heart attack.

Public visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, March 7, 2025, at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation at 1520 Rifle Range Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Saint Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church at 95 Hasell Street, Charleston, SC 29401 with Monsignor Anthony Droze officiating.

A reception will be held immediately after the funeral at 3672 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466.

A private interment for the immediate family will take place at a later date.

Michael Howard was born in Bridgeport, CT to John Joseph Howard and Kathleen Elizabeth Howard (nee Neary) on November 7, 1956. He received his childhood education at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield, CT. He attended the University of Notre Dame on an Air Force ROTC scholarship, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He married the love of his life, Helen Ann Hugo, on December 1, 1984, in New Canaan, CT.

Upon graduation, he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force where he served for 15 years on active duty as a fighter pilot. He flew the F-4 Phantom and A-10 Thunderbolt before finally achieving his ultimate goal of piloting the Air Force’s premier air superiority fighter, the F-15C Eagle. It was with this aircraft that he deployed to the Middle East in 1990-1991in support of Operation Desert Storm. He ultimately flew 47 combat sorties and was awarded four Air Medals for his service in that conflict. He received a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in 1992 shortly before his discharge from active duty.

Upon his separation from the military, Michael was hired by Southwest Airlines where he flew for the next 28 years, serving as a check airman in addition to being a pilot in command. During this time, he lived in Fountain Hills, AZ where he raised his children alongside Helen. He followed in his parents’ footsteps by pursuing public service on both the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Sanitary District in town. He also coached his children on various recreational teams and was their biggest cheerleader in all their endeavors, both athletic and academic. He served another 7 years in the Air Force Reserves before retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of total service. He was an avid runner and completed 13 marathons in his lifetime.

After retiring Michael achieved his dream of moving to South Carolina where he has taken his family on vacation nearly every summer for the previous three decades. He again threw himself into his community, involving himself in tennis and golf at Dunes West Golf & River Club. He was also an active volunteer with the Saint Vincent De Paul Peninsula Conference in Charleston, SC. Michael was truly generous and always there for family and friends with advice, words of comfort, and material support. His loss has left a gaping hole that can never be filled. 

Michael Howard is preceded in death by his parents, John Joseph Howard and Kathleen Elizabeth Howard (nee Neary). 

Michael Howard is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Helen Ann Howard (nee Hugo); son, Michael John Howard (Carly; daughter, Mary (Mollie) Catherine Howard; daughter, Helen Kathleen Tonche (Torey); and daughter, Emma Geraldine Howard. Siblings, John Howard (Pam), Maura Curtis (Michael), Kathleen Hubler (Wesley), Peter Howard (Christine), Megan Hannum (Leigh), Paul Howard (Laurie), James Howard (Robin), and Sara Rankin (Alex). Grandchildren Huck Bennett Howard, Jack Oliver Howard, and Mateo Torey Tonche. He is also survived by 30 nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Michael John Howard, Torey Tonche, John Howard, Peter Howard, Paul Howard, and James Howard.

Memorials may be given to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.ORG or St. Vincent De Paul Society, 120 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Please make checks payable to St. Vincent De Paul Society.

 The family of Michael Howard wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the first responders who cared for him that day and to the numerous family and friends who have offered their love and support.

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted or viewed online at mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation ~ Mt. Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464, (843) 884-3833.