Bruce C. Howard, 73, of Stratford, beloved husband of Freda Peterson Howard, died September 6, at Bridgeport Hospital. Born February 20, 1945, in Bridgeport, he was a son of the late Walter and Apras Jacob Howard.

In addition to his wife of 29 years, Freda; his son, Gregg Howard of Florida; stepdaughters and their spouses, Dawn and William Thomas of Newtown, Robin and Wayne Hoffmann of Monroe, and Gina and John Bracken of Stratford; his sister, Lee Villella of Florida; six step-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, a niece, and two nephews survive him.

His brother, Ronald Howard, predeceased him.

After high school, Mr Howard served his nation with pride in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he served on the Bridgeport City Police Department, working his way up to earn the rank of Captain. While serving with the Bridgeport Police, he remained in the US National Guard for more than 20 years. After his retirement, he was a football coach at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield. His loved ones say he was a truly great husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, coach, and friend who will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends may greet the family Monday, September 10, from 4 to 7 pm, in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

Funeral services with full military honors will take place Tuesday, September 11, at 11 am, in the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either the Notre Dame High School in Fairfied, Advancement Office, 220 Jefferson Street, Fairfield CT 06825; or to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven Hospital Office of Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven CT 06508-9979.

To leave an online condolence, visit [naviga:u]abriola.com[/naviga:u].