George C. Howland

North Brookfield – George C. “Buzz” Howland, Jr., 87, died on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Worcester following a brief period of declining health.
He leaves his children, James C. Howland and his wife Jennifer of North Brookfield and Jennifer Leblanc and her husband Robert of Blackstone as well as his former son-in-law Francis Hart of Barre. He also leaves his sisters, Ruth Ann Smith of North Brookfield and Jane Connelly and her husband David of Milton, as well as 5 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, and many friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Lynn D. (Darby) Howland in 2020. He was born in Worcester, son of the late George C. and Jeannette (Smith) Howland and was a long-time resident of North Brookfield.
After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy serving for 22 years. He served during the Vietnam War as a diesel engine mechanic, and later as a recruiter and career counselor with the Navy. Known as “Buzz” throughout town, George worked as a delivery truck driver for over 20 years for H.R. Salem Transportation. He loved driving, and after his retirement, he turned more to enjoying sports cars – a Mazda Miata, a bright red Mazda CX30, and lastly a Mazda CX50. He was a great storyteller, whether it be from childhood, his experiences through the Navy, and as a local town historian. He also enjoyed all kinds of seafood and cooking it on his own. He found pleasure in his pastime of feeding and watching the local birds at his home. He was a happy, independent person, who was able to live life to the fullest. He was also a long-time former member of the Hayden Lodge of Masons.
A Memorial Service with a Masonic presentation as well as military honors for George will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 2:00PM in the Quaboag Church, 175 Fiskdale Rd., in Brookfield. A Graveside Service will be held in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Brookfield Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 73, North Brookfield, MA 01535. Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with his arrangements. An online tribute page is available at varnumfuneralhome.com