Obituaries

Rosalie Pechter

Mrs. Pechter, 72, of Toms River died April 21 at home after a seven-month hospital stay. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she had lived in Freehold Township before moving to Toms River. She was a teacher for the New York City school system for many years, and in the Marlboro school district for 23 years prior to retiring 12 years ago. An active member of teacher associations, she negotiated teachers’ contracts and also served on curriculum committees. She began and taught a water aerobics program for seniors; served as the Shalom Club’s first president; was a member of the community’s bridge and singles clubs; and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Literacy Volunteers of America. In addition, she served as the editor of Lake Ridge Views, which was her favorite pastime. She was predeceased in 2000 by her husband, Leonard. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, William and Carolyn Pechter of Holmdel; a daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Mitch Haller of Marlboro; and three grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Freeman Manalapan-Marlboro Funeral Home, Manalapan, followed by interment at Beth Moses Cemetery, Pinelawn, N.Y. Memorial donations may be made to Van Dyke Hospice, 99 Route 37 west, Toms River 08755.John L. Howard

Mr. Howard, 46, of Ashland, Mass., formerly of Framingham, Mass., and Lakewood, died April 17 at home. Born in Henderson, N.C., he was raised in New Jersey by the late William Howard and Susie B. Terrell and had lived in Massachusetts for many years. A graduate of Lakewood High School, he received a bachelor of science degree from Princeton University, a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and a doctoral degree from the University of California, Berkeley. For many years, he was a senior communications consultant throughout the United States. He had also served as vice president at Porter Novelle Co., Boston, and most recently, had formed his own public relations firm. An avid reader, he enjoyed tennis, golf, swimming, running and basketball. He was predeceased by a sister, Carol Howard. Surviving are four brothers, Willie Howard Jr. and Theodore Howard, both of Lakewood, George Howard of Howell and Samuel Howard of Asbury Park; two sisters, Annie C. Gadson and Alice Howard, both of Lakewood; and many nieces and nephews. C.H.T. Clayton & Son Funeral Home, Adelphia section of Howell, was in charge of arrangements.