Dr. Thomas Richard Howard Jr.

Dr. Thomas Richard Howard, Jr., a resident of Pennsville, NJ, peacefully entered into eternal rest on January 7, 2026 at the age of 81.

Born in Oklahoma on October 18, 1944, he was the eldest child of the late Thomas and Elizabeth (nee Mead) Howard. After graduating from Claremore High School in 1962, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa. He went on to graduate from The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1971. After an internship at Tripler Army Medical Center, he completed his residency at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, focusing on Obstetrics and Gynecology. Having achieved the rank of Major in the United States Army, Thomas was most proud of his service delivering the babies of Vietnam War refugees.

Thomas worked in the medical department at Oklahoma State University until 1987 when he moved to Bridgeton, NJ and joined the Shiloh Medical Group. He later joined the staff at Cooper Primary Care in Pennsville where he worked for many years before opening his own practice in Quinton. His steadfast dedication to his profession allowed him to remain a pillar of the local medical community until his official retirement in July 2025.

Having a love for travel, Thomas took many cruises to places such as the Caribbean and Hawaii. But his favorite place on earth was Lake Tahoe, NV. As an unofficial spokesman, he often praised its heavenly beauty and encouraged others to go experience it for themselves. Thomas also had a passion for fine art, motorcycles, and sports (especially rooting for the OU Sooners). Friends, family, patients, and colleagues will no doubt miss him most for his kindness and sense of humor.

He is survived by his longtime companion Diane Nelson; his children Thomas Howard III (Lauren), Holly Smith (Spencer), and Monica Oakes (Christopher); stepson Peter Chamberlain (Meghann); grandchildren Hannah Howard and Connor, Jack, and Caroline Smith; brothers David (Melanie) and John Howard; sister Elizabeth Blackard; and many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him Uncle Richie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved grandsons Hunter and Hugh Howard.