Neal Lenti Howard, 72, of Southampton died Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Oct. 15, 1943, in Springfield, the son of Eleanor M.(Brown) Lenti and the late Neal M. Lenti, who died in World War II before his son was born. Neal was adopted by George H. Howard, who also predeceased him.

Neal attended Williston Academy before graduating from Easthampton High School in 1964 and from Saunders Electronics School in Boston. He worked in the electronics field, was a former member of the Southampton Fire Department and Southampton Police Department and retired as a manager from Storage Technology in 2005. Neal was also a retired veteran from the 104th at Barnes where he worked in the avionics shop.

Neal enjoyed truck pulling and working in his shop on all kinds of projects. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was a commercial hot air balloon pilot enjoying the “ups and downs” of his balloon named Gallagher.

Neal is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jane (Sudnick) Howard, his mother Eleanor Howard of Easthampton, and three daughters, Ann M. Sarafin and fiancé Tommy Bigos, Lisa J. Rice and husband Matt and Laurie A. Boudreau and husband Jim, all of Southampton. He is also survived by his two sisters, Jane B. Howard of Montana, and Susan Farland of New Hampshire. Neal will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Mike and Matt Sarafin, Vanessa and Kayla Rice, Patrick and Bryan Boudreau, and Chad and Chelsea Bigos and soon to arrive great-granddaughter Elizabeth Boudreau. He has been an inspirational role model and guiding presence in each of their lives. Neal was predeceased by his brother Attorney John B. Howard.