Born on January 5, 1939, in Norwood, MA, he was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Vaughan Howland (Miriam Louise Sinclaire). John graduated from East Providence High School in Rhode Island and went on to MIT, where he earned his SB in mechanical engineering (1960), SM (1962) and Mech E (1966). A practicing engineer for nearly 50 years with the firms of Foster-Miller Associates and Arthur D. Little, and, as founder and president, the consulting firm Howland Associates, he was granted several design patents.



John held his amateur radio operator’s license (W1AUA) since 1951, joining the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES). Also that year he became an Eagle Scout. In 1953, he attended the Irvine Ranch Jamboree, where he served as a correspondent for the Providence Journal. A private pilot and a sailor, his many interests included restoring period houses, antique vehicles and clocks. He read extensively, had a broad appreciation of music, and traveled widely with his wife, Ann. John was an active member of his community, serving for many years and chairing the Danville Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the Town of Danville 250th Anniversary celebration committee. He was a life member and past president of The Old Meeting House Association of Danville, NH.



Survivors include John’s wife of over 33 years, the former Ann P. Richardson; four children by a previous marriage, Elizabeth Ann Howland of Frisco, TX, Deborah Jean Howland of Concord, NH, Susan Melissa Howland of Concord, and Jonathan Ellsworth Howland of Clayton, NC; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his brother Robert Vaughan Howland.