PALATKA, Fla. — SGM Ret. Howard Irving Grant Jr., 65, of St. Augustine, Fla., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, March 13, at Haven Hospice.

A native of Bangor and a 1966 graduate of Portland High School, Howard went on to proudly serve his country for 39 years in both the U.S. Navy and the Army National Guard.

During his career, he had the privilege of helping hundreds of soldiers achieve their career goals. He was a member of EANGUS, AUSA and the American Legion.

Howard was a true patriot and a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia “Ginna;” a son, Roger (Tra); brothers, John (Nancy) Frey of Marlboro, Mass., and Harry (Susan) Grant of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; five granddaughters, Sara, Kandise, Kim, Kira and Laura; and seven great-grandchildren.

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