Howard S. Neff

Howard "Howie" Sutcliffe Neff, Jr., 90, of Golden Living Center - The Hermitage, Worcester, MA, passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. He was the former husband of Clarissa Messer Neff. Born in Ware, MA on May 25, 1925, he was the son of Howard Sutcliffe Neff, Sr. and Dorothy (Smith) Neff. Howard was raised in North Brookfield, MA and was a graduate of the Vermont Academy. He joined the U.S. Navy when he was seventeen years old and proudly served as an Aviation Machinist Mate Third Class before being injured and then honorably discharged. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal, Three Stars. He went on to receive his Bachelor's degree from Babson College, and began work for NBC in New York City. He then began employment for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Unemployment office, from where he ultimately retired after many years.  Howie often spent his summers in Plymouth, MA, and although he was an ardent fan of the Boston Red Sox, he thoroughly enjoyed watching sports of most any kind on television.  Above all, he cherished his role as father and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Wendy Neff of Oxford, MA; and his treasured granddaughter.  He was predeceased by his brother and sister. Visitation has respectfully been omitted. Burial services will be private. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guestbook at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.   (508) 695-0200