Howard Benjamin Huftalen Jr.

Howard Benjamin Huftalen, Jr., 69, of Hope Valley, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020. He was the loving husband of Lisa F. Huftalen, and together they shared 33 years of marriage, 28 with their daughter Katherine Elisa (Huftalen) Taylor. Born in Providence, RI on February 14, 1951, he was the son of the late Howard Benjamin Sr. and Dorothy Hope (Roberts) Huftalen.

Howie made friends easily, was voted Friendliest in his class at Barrington High, and always had a positive outlook on life. He liked beating the odds, whether it was playing basketball, playing for the state championship BHS football team in 1967 and beyond, excelling as a left-handed pitcher in baseball, or learning to walk, talk and drive again following a devastating accident at work. He attended Barrington College and loved nothing more than gathering with friends at “the log” and driving his original “Ruby.” He worked in shipping and receiving at the RI College Bookstore and for foodservice the University of Rhode Island before finishing his work life with the URI Postal Service. He loved traveling whether it was a simple drive for ice cream, ballooning in Albuquerque, cruising to Bermuda or touring Italy. Howie will be remembered for his love of Cribbage, Coffee and Sports, and most of all his love of family get togethers.

Besides his wife Lisa and daughter Katherine, he leaves behind his son-in-law Raymond Taylor. He also leaves behind his sister Susan Braz, his brothers Stephen (Kathryn), David (Charlene), and Peter (Sandra), his brothers-in-law Craig Freemen and Drew Freeman (Debbie), and sister-in-law Nancy Freeman (David Reis). He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews Jodie (Nick), Stephen Jr. (Tarsha), David Jr. (Christine), Jon, Courtney (Jeffrey), Colby (Lauren), Jocelyn, Lauren (Joshua), and Branden and many great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Diane, and brother in law Raymond.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Funeral services must be held privately with family only. A celebration of life will be held (hopefully next summer) when restrictions are relaxed.

Howard’s beloved niece Hailey has been suffering with childhood cancer for most of her 2-1/2 years on earth.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Ronald McDonald House that allowed her family to stay together during her long days of treatment. www.rmhcne.org/ways-to-give. Be sure to click on the square that indicates “I’d like to give in honor/memory.

S.R. Avery Funeral Home, 3A Bank St., Hope Valley, RI is assisting the family with arrangements.

For online condolences, please visit www.averyfuneralhome.com
 

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