The Rev. Howard Rich of the Union Congregational Church of Magnolia died on November 20, 2009. Howie is survived by his wife Irene and his two daughters, Brooks and Casey. Howie served as part time pastor at Union Congregational Church in Magnolia (Gloucester) for 11 years until his death and also taught at Danvers High School. In addition,he was the Area Director of Young Life ministries. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Maple Street Church in Danvers at 2:00 pm on Saturday December 5th.
The following obituary comes from the Salem News:
DANVERS - Mr. Howard Rich III, 64, of Danvers, beloved husband of Irene "Renie" (Van Norman) Rich, died Friday afternoon, Nov. 20, 2009 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Boston, with his family at his side, following an extended battle with brain cancer.
Born in Philadelphia, son of the late Howard Jr. and Elsie (Langman) Rich, he was raised and educated in the Philadelphia area. He did his undergraduate studies at Westchester University in Pennsylvania and his graduate studies at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. He served on the staff of Young Life, a Christian outreach to high school students, for over 30 years, most of which was spent as Area Director of Young Life in Danvers.
Howie was employed as a substitute teacher at Danvers High School where he was well loved and respected by his students and peers. He held a full-time faculty position in health and physical education from 1993 until his retirement in 2008.
An ordained minister, Rev. Rich was called to pastor Union Congregational Church of Magnolia in 1998. He faithfully served the Union community with devotion and integrity for 11 years.
In addition to his loving wife of 34 years, Howie is survived by his son, Brooks H. Rich of Williamstown; his daughter, Casey A. Rich of Brighton; two sisters, Suzanna Zierden of Culpepper, Va., and Nanci Parrish of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; two brothers, David Rich of Canonsburg, Pa., and William Rich of West Springfield; as well as many nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held at the Maple Street Congregational Church, Danvers, on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2:00 p.m., for all those wishing to celebrate Howie's life. Assisting the family is the Peterson-O' Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St. (Route 62) Danvers. For more information inquire at 978-774-6600. Online guestbook at www.legacy.com. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Howie's name to the Union Congregational Church, 3 Norman Ave., Magnolia, MA 01930.