LTC HOWARD F. PECK To TAPS

Howard Peck 

1936 - 2012 TAMPA, FL Howard Francis Peck, 76, of Tampa, died Friday, May 25, 2012, at Melech Hospice, with his wife, Christiane, and two sons by his side. 

Howard was born on Feb. 22, 1936, in Pittsfield. His parents were John Peck, who worked as a mechanic at Nesbit's Garage, and Dorothy Armstrong, who worked for Dr. Franklin Paddock. He was an only child and overcame polio. He attended Pittsfield public schools, was active in scouting, caddied golf, and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1953. After attending Bentley College, he enlisted in the Army in 1957. For the next 23 years he dedicated his career to the Army, and retired in 1980 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Finance Corps. He served in the States, France, Germany, Vietnam and Cambodia. After his second tour in Vietnam, he took a well-deserved year off to complete his B.A. in Accounting from Bentley. His decorations include the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. 

Howard moved his family to Tampa and began his second career. He earned an MBA from the University of South Florida in 1983, and worked in financial management jobs at the Hillsborough County Mental Health Center and at Cambridge Christian School. He retired for good in 2001. He was a member of Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church. 

Howard was grateful for the doctors and caregivers who comforted him.

Howard leaves his wife of 52 years, Christiane Chaille-de-Nere; sons, Francis of San Diego and John of Charlottesville, Va.; granddaughter, Natalie, and grandsons, Sam and Thomas. His greatest gifts to his sons were providing them with good educations and opportunities, and instilling in them sound values and a strong sense of commitment to family and public service.

Burial with military honors was on Monday, Oct. 1st at 0900 hrs at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Howard's family can be contacted at francispeck@rocketmail.com. Howard's wife and sons salute Army and other veterans who served with him and who currently defend our nation, and thank his friends and colleagues for their friendship and kindness during their times with him.