The Abington Fire Department regreats to announce the passing of retired Fire Chief Wallace “Hap” Howe on Saturday January 11, 2025.
Wallace “Hap” Howe was permanently appointed as a permanent firefighter for Abington Fire Department effective November 1, 1959 after serving as a call firefighter since 1954. On January 1, 1968 he was appointed as Lieutenant, and was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief later in 1968.
In 1981 Hap was appointed to the position of Acting Fire Chief, a position he held until he retired in 1988 with 34 years of service to the Abington Fire Department, 7 years as Fire Chief.
FCAM extends its sympathy to Chief Howe’s family, friends and the Abington Fire Department.
OBITUARY
Wallace A. “Hap” Howe, beloved husband of over 64 years to Eleanor C (Swan) Howe, passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by the love of his family.
Son of the late Norman T. and Ruth E. Howe of Abington, brother of the late Ritchie Howe and Margaret Seney, he is also survived by his children, Ronald Howe and wife Pam Howe, of Abington; Patti Hermes Case and husband Jay Case, of IL; and Kimberly Chicoine and husband Norman Chicoine of CT. His pride and joy extended to his grandchildren, Lindsey and husband Brandon Chicoine, Daniel and wife Shannon Chicoine, Benjamin Chicoine, Victoria Howe, Christina Howe, Jordan Hermes, and Ryan Hermes, and one legendary great-grandson, Harrison Chicoine. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, and many friends.
As a lifelong native of Abington, Hap served his community for 35 years on the Abington Fire Dept, retiring as Chief in 1988. He then went on to a 2nd career selling new fire trucks and driving cross country from South Dakota to personally deliver them. He also volunteered his time as a member of the Board of Health, the Water Commissioners, the Mt Vernon Cemetery Board of Trustees, and the United Church of Christ in Abington. Life on the road continued in retirement, as Hap and Eleanor explored the country in their RV, eventually settling on winters in Florida, and summers on Cape Cod, often joined by family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend Hap’s visiting hours on will Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman, MA 02382. A funeral service will be held January 17th at 11:00 AM at the United Church of Christ, 10 Bedford St, Abington, MA 02351. Burial to follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Abington.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Hap’s memory can be made to the United Church of Christ in Abington, The 100 Club of Massachusetts (supporting the families of fallen first responders), or the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Bridget’s Church in Abington.