John Patrick Howard

Peacefully on Friday September 1, 2017 age 80 of Markleton Pa formerly of North Versailles Pa. Loving Dad of Johnette Howard, Mark Howard, Lisa (Dr. Terry) Mamounas and Tori (Jason) Keller. Special grandpa of Joseph, Paul, and Matina Mamounas. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in passing by his wife, Connie (Davane) Howard. Mr. Howard served his country in the United States Air Force. In addition to his devotion to his family, John was known for his able art direction at Fisher Scientific in Pittsburgh, and later, his design work as a self-employed artist. He graduated from the Art Institute in Pittsburgh and also attended classes at Carnegie Mellon. As an art director, John supervised a group of designers and technical artists who were encouraged to think for themselves. Any direction on his part was marked by sensibility and professionalism. When one examines this body of work, produced in the 1970s and 1980s, it still holds up -- the truest test of graphic design. After Fisher Scientific, John continued as a design consultant for Rainbow Grinder art studio and worked as a freelance graphic designer. Later in life, John shifted his emphasis to painting. His powerful compositions, with a heavy emphasis on design and symbolism, have a style all their own. He was a member of the Somerset County Artist's Association. Friends will be welcome on Monday, Labor Day from 2:00 until 8:00 Pm in Alfieri Funeral Home Inc. Wilmerding Pa 412-824-4332. Parting prayers on Tuesday at 9:15 Am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Robert Bellarmine Church. Internment will follow in New St Joseph Cemetery with military honors. Please visit us at; www.alfierifuneralhome.com for online condolences.

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