Howard M. Townsend, Longtime Long Branch Police Officer, Dies At 60

Courtesy of Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home

Howard M. Townsend, 60, of Long Branch, passed away on November 14, 2016 of a heart attack.

Howard was born and raised in Long Branch. He was a graduate of Long Branch High School, attended Peddie Preparatory School in Hightstown, New Jersey and Bethany College in West Virginia. In 1980 he graduated from the Police Academy and became a member of the Long Branch Police Department and proudly wore badge #210 until his retirement.

Howard was a die-hard New York Giants fan, an absolute avid golfer, and a loving father and husband. He was an exempt member of the Branchport Hose Company of the Long Branch Fire Department where he served as the Captain. Howard was past Club Champion at Old Orchard Country Club; the 2012 Club Champion at Bella Vista Country Club; and the 2014 Club Champion and 2015 Senior Club Champion at Jumping Brook Country Club.

Howard was a dear friend and mentor to many. When he walked into a room he would put smiles on everyone's faces because they knew "Uncle Howie" was here. He dedicated many years of service to the city of Long Branch, and retired at the rank of Corporal, Howie was a natural leader and a hard worker.

Howard was predeceased by his father Howard F. Townsend. Surviving is his mother Gloria Townsend of Melbourne, Florida, his wife Lucille Townsend of sixteen years, his sister Susan Townsend Dziuba of Long Branch, his brother-in-law Stanley Dziuba of Long Branch, his four children, Megan Townsend of Point Pleasant, Laura Townsend of Point Pleasant, U.S Navy Lieutenant Stephanie Wexler of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, William Wexler of Point Pleasant, his father-in-law William Geis of Point Pleasant and his niece Ashley Dziuba of Long Branch.

Howard lived his life by giving his time to his family and others. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Friends may visit from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 on Monday, Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 408 Prospect Street, Long Branch. Burial will be at St. Gertrudes Cemetery, Woodbridge. To share a favorite memory or messages of condolence, please visit Howard's Book of Memories at www.woolleyboglioli.com.

Image: Wooley-Boglioli Funeral Home.