Fred J. Howlett, age 83, of Brick, New Jersey, passed away March 29, 2023. It is an understatement to say Fred led a full life on his terms. Here is Fred’s story.
Fred was the first of five children born in Crete and raised in nearby Dorchester. As a young man, Fred enjoyed all sports and developed a thirst for knowledge and adventure. His love of learning and his growing leadership skills were honed through his career both academically and athletically at Dorchester High School, graduating in 1957. While in high school, Fred captained both the football and basketball teams and as a stellar student, he was appointed a full NROTC scholarship to his beloved University of Nebraska - Lincoln. At UN-L Fred was a proud member of the Theta Xi fraternity, and as an alumnus, he became a member of its board.
Upon graduating with honors from UN-L with a BS in Engineering, Fred embarked on a very successful six-year military career, the highlight of which was his time on nuclear submarines patrolling the Arctic during the Cold War. He retired as a Captain in the Naval Reserves.
Upon completion of his military service, Fred started working for American Telephone & Telegraph. Always curious and ambitious, Fred worked in many positions with AT&T. This is where he met the first love of his life, Patricia Todd-Howlett.
With Patricia by his side, they built a loving family. Fred’s job led him to various stops around the country, including San Francisco, Albuquerque and Detroit. Eventually, Fred and Patricia settled in Bridgewater, New Jersey. There they raised three loving children – Anne, Joan and Fred. Not surprisingly, Fred became a civic leader in the community. He held numerous volunteer positions – including board member at Somerset Savings, President of the Bicycle Hall of Fame, assistant high school football and lacrosse coach and a disadvantaged youth advocate. The highlight of his community involvement was being elected to be a Bridgewater Councilman and a Freeholder representing Somerset County New Jersey. The community took notice of Fred’s endless energy when in 1991, Fred was awarded the Citizen of the Year by the Somerset County NJ Chamber of Commerce.
Always the lifelong learner, Fred continued his education earning an MBA from the University of San Francisco, a second MBA from Pace University and a law degree from Seton Hall University. He passed the New Jersey state bar exam and leveraged his degree through pro bono work with a law firm and community programs. During this same time, Fred completed five marathons, the most exotic being the Athens marathon in Greece the site of the first marathon.
Unfortunately, after raising a wonderful family, Patricia Howlett passed away in 1990 succumbing to colon cancer. Anyone who knew Fred understood that he was a blessed man. Fred’s good fortune was never more evident than when in 1995 he met Robin Malin, who became his partner in life and adventure. The two were married in 1998. Both being retired from AT&T, they set off to see the world.
Fred and Robin’s travels were far too extensive to mention in detail. However, there wasn’t a corner of the world they did not explore.
Robin and Fred moved to Brick, New Jersey, in 2000. This was home and a gathering place for their growing extended family. By 2002 Fred and Robin had seven grandchildren.
Fred was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Beulah Howlett; and as mentioned, by his first wife, Patricia Howlett. Fred is survived by his wife, Robin L. Malin; son, Fred M. Howlett (Beth); daughters, Anne Halstater (Brian) and Joan Kaiser (Doug); brothers, Wayne, John and William “Skeeter” Howlett; sister, Ruth Luedtke; and seven grandchildren, Amy, Evan, and Sean Kaiser, Kara and Tyler Howlett, and Ryan and Kyle Halstater.
Cremation is private and under the direction of O’Brien Funeral Home, Brick, New Jersey. A celebration of life will be held at Legion Hall in Dorchester at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.obrienfuneralhome.com.
