Bruce C. Howard

Bruce C. Howard, age 73 of Stratford, beloved husband of Freda Peterson Howard, passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Bridgeport Hospital. Born on February 20, 1945 in Bridgeport, he was a son of the late Walter and Apras Jacob Howard. After high school, Bruce served his nation with pride in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he served on the Bridgeport City Police Department, working his way up to earn the rank of Captain. While serving with the Bridgeport Police, he remained in the U. S. National Guard for over 20 years. After his retirement, he was a football coach at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield. He was a truly great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, coach and friend who will be truly missed by all who knew him. In addition to his wife Freda of 29 years, he is survived by his son, Gregg Howard of Florida, step daughters Robin Hoffmann and her husband Wayne of Monroe, Dawn Thomas and her husband William of Newtown, and Gina Bracken and her husband John of Stratford, his sister Lee Villella of Florida, six step grandchildren, three step great grandchildren, and his niece Gina Villella and nephews Anthony and John Villella. He is predeceased by his brother, Ronald Howard. Funeral services with full military honors will take place on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 11: 00 a. m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Family and friends may greet the family on Monday, September 10, 2018 from 4- 7 p. m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s name can be made to either the Notre Dame High School Fairfied, Advancement Office, 220 Jefferson Street, Fairfield, CT 06825 or to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven Hospital Office of Development, PO Box 1849 New Haven, CT 06508- 9979. To leave an online condolence, visit us at www. abriola. com.