Howard H. Gift
Howard H. Gift, age 89, of Philadelphia, PA passed away June 19, 2016 due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Howard grew up in Greencastle, PA, graduating from Greencastle High School in 1944. He volunteered for the Navy, serving in the final year of WWII. After the Navy, he attended Washington and Jefferson College, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1950.
Later in life, Howard obtained his Masters of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh (1977). After college, he began working for the Social Security Administration. He worked in various branches of SSA until he retired as District Manager in Pittsburgh, PA. Howard spent his retirement years in Pittsburgh, PA and Chambersburg, PA, enjoying barbershop singing as a member of a SPEBSQSA chorus, golfing, researching genealogy, walking, collecting science fiction books, as well as many other interests.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in August 2004, he eventually moved to Philadelphia in 2012 to be closer to family. Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Janet (nee Minnich).
He is survived by three sons, David H. Gift (Sandy) of Collingswood, NJ, Brian M. Gift (Sandy) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Kevin M. Gift (Elizabeth) of Washington Crossing, PA, and one daughter, Amy G. Kander (Ron) of Philadelphia, PA; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Brandon (Jacquie), Eric (Tina), Daniel, Sarah, Rachel, and Jonah; and two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Eric. He is also survived by his uncle, Howard Stickell, Jr of Grayson, GA.
There will be no viewing. A Memorial Service will be held at the Harold M. Zimmerman and Son Funeral Home in Greencastle, PA on Wednesday, July 6th beginning at 10:30 am, followed by burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Greencastle. Condolences may be shared at www.zimmermanfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howard’s memory to Allison-Antrim Museum, 365 South Ridge Avenue, Greencastle, PA 17225; www.greencastlemuseum.org.