WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – Howard Prince Birmingham, 89, former resident of Patten, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Sweet Brook Care Centers in Williamstown, Mass. after a long illness.

He was born Oct. 6, 1914, in Patten, the son of Bertram and Mabel Robinson Birmingham.

“Howdy,” to those who knew him well, was a 1934 graduate of Patten Academy. He also graduated in 1945 from Portland Barber School, Portland.

He was a barber for more than 40 years, both in Maine and Massachusetts.

He married Mary (Julie) Dunphy of Island Falls in 1960, moving to Cheshire, Mass., where they made their home for over 30 years. After retiring, he moved back to Maine and lived in Millinockett. He returned to North Adams, Mass. almost a year ago, where he resided prior to entering the nursing home.

Howard was a veteran of the United States Army, and served during World War II as a member of the 998th Treadway Bridge Company. He fought in many notable battles and campaigns under General George Patten that included Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Ardennes.

He was a member and past commander of Grant-Gardiner VFW Post #04154 of Patten.

He liked to hunt and fish in his early years, and later enjoyed gardening.

He will be sadly missed by his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary (Dunphy) Birmingham; two daughters, Kim (Birmingham) Wright of Adams, Mass., and Doreen Fuller of Vinegrove, Ky.; one son, Kerry Birmingham of Jay; one stepson, Daniel Dunphy of Stewartville, Minn.; one sister, Vida Newton of Fontana, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by four brothers, and two sisters.

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