Obituary of Ralph Painter Howe

Ralph Painter Howe, Jr., born January 17, 1939 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Phyllis A. Howe and Ralph Painter Howe Sr. He went to be with the Lord he learned to trust on February 19, 2013. He was many things to many people - he was husband, father, grandfather or papa, brother, teacher, hunting partner, friend. He lived an adventurous life... from teaching to hunting, fishing, sailing, photography, planes, trains, gardening to raising beef critters to free range chickens. He loved his family and his beloved dogs. He learned to love God and to trust him. He loved learning and always read to learn, to teach to others. The whole world was his classroom. He attended Belfast schools & Hebron Academy. He attended Tufts University, majoring in chemistry. He received a Masters in Biochemistry from UMO in 1962. He taught in Gorham NH, George Stevens Academy and Cony High School. After retiring from public school, he became head teacher and Administrator at Belfast Christian Academy at Faith Temple Church of God. After BCA closed, he traveled to Pen-Bay Christian for a year. He substituted at BAHS for several science teachers. Whether on the ocean and via the woods or classrooms, he lived life to the fullest. For the past three years, he spent many hours at DCI with the loving people who took such good care of him. We thank God for each and every one. Painter is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon (Murray) Howe. He was father to four children, two by birth and two by choice. Ralph P. Howe the 3rd from South China and grandaughter, Katelyn, Laura Howe Gurney and husband Nathan; grandaughters Lily and Abby Gurney from Milford; Aaron Cunningham and fiancee' Natalie Bowden, grandsons Isaak, Randy & Alex; granddaughter Mackenzie Grace, Amanda Young Benitez and husband Lee Benitez, granddaughter Angela Benitez; grandsons Carlos & Marcos Benitez; one brother Henry " T" Howe and wife Betty; two sisters Pat Brenner & husband Ken from Arizona, Laura Howe Raft of East Providence RI; brothers-in law Grover Curtis and Charles Wiley and his wife Polly; cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends and former students. He was predeceased by his parents Mr. & Mrs. Ralph P. Howe Sr. He will be missed by all who knew him. Visiting hours Friday February 22nd from 4-6pm at Riposta Funeral Home. Celebration of life will be 3 p.m. Saturday February 23rd at Faith Temple Church Of God with Pastor Mike Horton and Arthur P. Fairbrother Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers please make donations to DCI Dialysis Unit, 125 Northport Avenue, Belfast, Maine 04915. On-line condolences may be offered at www.ripostafh.com.