Gerald W. Howell Sr.

The Trentonian 07/09/2008

TRENTON - Gerald W. Howell Sr., 85, known to all as Jerry and a lifelong resident of Trenton, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2008, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Hamilton.

Mr. Howell was an active member of Carpenters Union Local 31 for more than 40 years. He spent the majority of those years as a construction superintendent, working for the area's largest general contractors, and was responsible for the successful completion of numerous construction projects throughout the area. He was well respected in the industry for his knowledge, sense of fairness, and his ability to deal with complex situations as they arose.

Upon retirement from the Carpenters Union, Mr. Howell was employed by the State of New Jersey as a project specialist and supervisor of construction inspections. He continued his professional development by attending Mercer County Community College and Ocean County Community College, and was licensed as an RCS building inspector, ICS building inspector, HHS building inspector, building subcode official, and construction official. He traveled the state to ensure that projects were constructed properly, on time, and within budget.

Jerry was a gifted athlete. His baseball career began as a pitcher with the Trenton Schroths. His talent on the mound was soon recognized and drew the attention of professional baseball scouts. While pitching in the Industrial League, he received offers from several major league teams, ultimately signing with the New York Yankees. As a pitcher with the Yankee organization he was able to compile an outstanding record. He was regarded by many local sports enthusiasts as "one of the best pitchers to ever come out of the City of Trenton."

Having served in Europe during World War II, Mr. Howell was a decorated U.S, Army veteran. He was a courageous infantryman, dedicated to his country and fellow soldiers, and was awarded a Combat Infantry Badge and 3 Battle Stars.

Mr. Howell was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and the Immaculate Conception Holy Name Society. His passion for sports continued as he dedicated many years of his life to organizing, teaching, and coaching the youth of the parish. From the "Pee Wee" basketball league to the CYO basketball team, his devotion was unrelenting, and he was proud to have had the opportunity to provide a positive influence for the many ballplayers he coached.

He touched the hearts of all who knew him and will be sadly missed.

Gerald was the son of the late Gerald W. Howell and Helen D'Edwin Howell Clark, stepson of the late Sheridan Clark, and brother of the late Kenneth Howell. He was married to Jean D'Angelo Howell for 37 years prior to her calling from God.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Dora Chianese Howell; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Nancy Howell of Trenton; daughters, Marie Weisman of Hamilton, and Debbie Sadreamelli of Northfield: stepchildren, Carl D. Chianese and his wife Debbie, and Christopher Chianese. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jerry Howell, Joseph Howell, Andrea and her sister Alexa Sadreamelli, Cameron Sadreamelli, Kyle Sadreamelli, and Cody Sadreamelli; step grand-children Daniel Chianese, David Chianese, Cassandra Chianese, and Alexa Chianese; two great-grandchildren; his sisters, Marion Pagnotta of Columbus, Delores Ervin of New Egypt, Marie Clark of Falls Church, Va., and Mary Hones of Philadelphia, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Williams Howell; his brothers Robert Clark and his wife Jean of Hamilton, Ronald Clark of Hamilton, and Brud Clark of Lumberton, Pa.; and many loving relatives, friends and neighbors.

Funeral services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Friday from the Gruerio Funeral Home, 311 Chestnut Ave. Trenton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Parish - Immaculate Conception Church, 540 Chestnut Ave., Trenton. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery on Woolsey Street in Hamilton.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing 6-9 p.m. Thursday (July 10) at the funeral home.