Howard A. Tolley

AKRON - Howard A. Tolley, 96, passed away April 9, 2024. Howard was born on May 7, 1927, to James and May Tolley in Cleveland, Ohio. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Sue (Calhoun). Also surviving Howard are his son Jim (Bernadette), daughter Jill Dugovics, and granddaughters Allison (Nick) Diemert, Emily (Christopher) Smith, and Devon (Adam) Owens, and great grandchildren Cole and Luke. He was preceded in death by his daughter Jody (Kevin), as well as brothers Ken and Jack. Howard served in the US Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. After discharge he attended Ohio University where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, and he remained a proud Bobcat his entire life.

Upon graduation with a journalism degree, he started work at the Wheeling, West Virginia newspaper. While in Wheeling, he met Sue and they married in 1952. In 1953, Howard accepted a job with Koppers Company and moved to Pittsburgh, after which came a job with PPG. In 1960, Howard joined the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where he retired from in 1991 as the Director of Community Relations. During his time with Goodyear, he also was manager of the Goodyear blimps. Throughout his career he was an active member of Sigma Delta Chi professional journalists’ organization.

After retirement, Howard was active in volunteer work with his church, First Congregational Church of Akron, Kiwanis, Family Services, and SCORE. He also had a standing date with his luncheon group, the ROMEO’s (retired old men eating out) that he thoroughly enjoyed! Howard also enjoyed his puns and never missed an opportunity to tell a joke to bring a smile to your face. But above all else, he loved his family.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Akron, 292 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308. To Share a Memory, Send a Condolence, or Light a Candle, please visit the Tribute wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)