Howard L. "Howie" Yockel, 75, of Worcester, passed away Friday, September 5th, 2008, in his home surrounded by his family.

   Howard is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, which they would have celebrated on October 14th, Rita J. (Lopriore) Yockel; his three children, Howard A. Yockel, Paul A. Yockel and his wife Paula; Beth-Ann Alexander and her husband Craig all of Worcester; four cherished grandchildren, Lauren, Marc, Kelsey and Victoria; two step grandchildren, Dustin and Christina; three sisters, Laura Weaver of Odenton, MD, Joan Daugherty of Lugoff SC, and Barbara J. "Jean" Russell of Crownsville, MD, many nieces and nephews. A brother, George Yockel predeceased him. Howard was born in Annapolis, Maryland. His parents were the late George and Ellen (Neary) Yockel and has lived in Worcester since 1956.

   Howard was employed as an auto mechanic for more than 20 years for the former Sweetlife Foods Company in Northboro before retiring. He was also a 33 year retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer. Howard enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February of 1952, served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars aboard the Destroyer, USS Irwin before retiring.

   Howard was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church, and the Teamsters Local 170. A member, pitch league coordinator and former Treasurer of the Pope John XXIII Council Knights of Columbus and a fourth degree member of the Bishop O'Reilly Assembly. He was also an avid golfer and member of the Knights of Columbus Golf League at Clearview Country Club. Howard was a member of the Naval Reserve enlisted association, The USS Irwin Association, and the MCB12, Navy Seabees association. He was a cherished family man who found his greatest joy with his grandchildren, who called him "Papa".

   Howard's funeral with military honors will be held Tuesday, September 9th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a mass at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Monday, September 8th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Members of the Pope John Council Knights of Columbus will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home to conduct their ritual. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Umass-Memorial Hospice, 650 Lincoln St. 01605 or the Our Danny Cancer Fund, care of the Umass-Memorial Foundation, PO Box 2795, Worcester 01613.