![Douglas Howlett](/tribute-images/cropped/704/Douglas-Howlett.jpg)
Condolences
I was saddened to read about Doug's death. He has been a friend and mentor for over 35 years. Doug was the assistant fire chief of the Adelphia Fire Company when I joined the organization and two years later, he would become the fire chief. He was always friendly, supportive, hardworking, willing to teach others, and dedicated to community service. He never missed the opportunity to be involved in a good joke and always had a great smile.
He was always looking to make the fire company and its members better. This was done by his support of professional development for all members, facilities and equipment that enabled the community and its residents to receive professional fire and rescue services, and most of all a welcoming environment for all. In addition to fire response, Doug was active and in various sporting events the fire company fielded teams in including bowling, softball, field day, and mud football. Doug also served our nation a member of United States Navy.
While Doug had many titles and positions over the years with the fire company, those most important to him are outside of the fire company - husband, father, and grandfather.
Doug thank you for your service to our country and community, most important thank you for being a friend and mentor. You will be missed!
Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Eriks Gabliks, Superintendent, National Fire Academy/US Fire Administration
Dear Patty and family,
So surprised and saddened by the sudden loss of Doug. I was blessed to be able to talk with both of you at Dan LaPolla's funeral last week. I am thankful to have that memory as i hadn't seen you in many years.
Prayers for you and the family from my church (Swanquarter Baptist Chuch, NC. and I.
Dear Patty and family,
So surprised and saddened by the sudden loss of Doug. I was blessed to be able to talk with both of you at Dan LaPolla's funeral last week. I am thankful to have that memory as i hadn't seen you in many years.
Prayers for you and the family from my church (Swanquarter Baptist Chuch, NC. and I.
Dear Patty and all your family,
Please know I am sending love and prayers!
I will always remember Doug, he was always caring and a fun example to me since my childhood.
I hope all your pain and loss will turn into cherished memories !
God’s speed to you all !
Sincerely and fondly,
Joanne Engelke Dunn
Dear Patty and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your great loss. Doug was such a good man and had so many successes in his life. I kept up with how you all were doing over the years through my best friend Ginger.
Our sincere condolences to you and yours.
Margie Buffa Astles and family.
It has been 3 days since we received the call from Ozzie about Doug passing and we are still in disbelief that we will not longer see our SS396 Ronquil shipmate and dear friend. When we attended the Reunions with Doug (with the matchstick always in his mouth) and Pat, it was like a Family Reunion. The stories that were repeatedly told about the times spent on the Sub were priceless and had everyone laughing. We send our most sincere condolences to Pat and the Howlett Family who meant the world to Doug!! Rest In Peace Dear Friend!! DIESEL BOATS FOREVER. Dennis and Carmela Whitford, Elmira NY
Doug was a truly great person. Kind and caring and openly friendly. And a person truly committed to his family and fire company. I will always remember him for his genuine welcoming personality whenever I saw Doug at an Adelphia Fire Company event or a Joint Fire Commissioner’s meeting. I last saw him at this year’s Memorial Day Parade in Farmingdale. He will be missed dearly by his partner in life and his children and grandchildren. And very much so by those who served with Doug in his dear Adelphia Fire Company. As we traditionally say in the Fire Service - Rest Easy Doug - We Have It From Here. Bob Kelly, Ramtown Howell Fire Company No. 2.
There are no words to express my heartfelt sympathy to the Howlett Family. Doug was so kind and was a genuine friend. He was immensely proud of his family. When he spoke of them, his eyes would light up with love. His Breton Harbors Family loved him dearly as well. I’ll always remember that “matchstick smile”that he gave to everyone. He will be missed tremendously by all that were lucky to have called him their friend. Rest easy Doug.
With Love and Sympathy, Barbara Lowney-Forlenza