Howard L. Wells

Howard L. Wells of Mattituck, a fixture on Love Lane and at the post office, died at his home on Friday, June 10, 2011. He was 85 years old.

Mr. Wells was born in Mineola, New York, on March 5, 1926, to Herbert Leslie and Ethel May (née Brown) Wells. After graduating from Mattituck High School in June of 1943, he joined the United States Navy (Seabees) on July 21, 1943, and served in the Philippines (Leyte and Samar) until his honorable discharge on March 17, 1946.

On October 6, 1956, he married Irene M. Swenkoski, and together they made their home in Mattituck, where he owned and operated an excavation company.

In the community, he was active in and past commander of the Raymond Cleaves American Legion Post #861, the Mattituck VFW and the Mattituck Lions Club.

Predeceased by his wife, Irene, and two sons, Jonathan and Gary (Ilene), he is survived by his children Laurie (Jonathan) Wells, David (Michele) Wells, Deborah (Edward) Cassidy, and Randall (Theresa) Wells, all of Mattituck; and seven grandchildren, Mitchell, Eric and Kelly Cassidy and Lisa, Rachel, Daniel and Matthew Wells.

The family received friends on June 12 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, where funeral services were held on June 13 by the Rev. George Summers. Interment will take place on Saturday, June 18, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue.

Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 or the Mattituck Fire Department, P.O. Box 136, Mattituck, NY 11952.

This is a paid notice.