June M. Howanice

June Howanice was born in Hackensack, NJ, growing up in Paterson and Clifton and graduated from Clifton High School is 1959.  She married her high school sweetheart, Richard Howanice.  Since both their last names began with “H,”, he sat behind her in class and attracted her attention by pulling on her ponytail.  They were married for almost 58 years and spent most of their life living in Little Falls, NJ.  They owned two businesses, Van Houten Auto Parts in Clifton and Caldwell Auto Parts in Caldwell, NJ.  

June was a tomboy growing up, and they raised two sons, who meant the world to them, Jim and Ed.  Their family had several pets.  Their famous Labrador Retriever, Sparky, was anything but mellow and was usually in some sort of trouble. They had several family cats, the most famous being Waldo, who was known to wander in their neighbors’ houses.  They loved being grandparents in their later years to their granddaughter, Amanda.   

June was a wonderful older sister, who taught me to drive, and was very patient when I caused a few dents in her white Mercury and ran out of gas in Paterson.  She calmly told me I needed to check the gas gauge as we walked to get help.  My first car and first stereo were given to me by June and Richie.   

Family and friends were an important part of their lives, and June stayed in touch with her many childhood and high school friends.  She loved warm weather and for many years enjoyed the Boca Raton area of Florida during the winter months, where they met new people and made new friends. 

They had a loving and happy marriage and did everything together.  They were seldom apart.  They enjoyed cross country trips with their sons in their younger days, and in 2014 made another cross-country trip visiting family and friends.   Richie was a loving husband, and June even convinced him to visit her paternal grandparents’ farm in Ohio, which lacked indoor plumbing.  Richie used to joke that June dragged him to a place that made living in army barracks a breeze compared to using the outdoor well and outhouse at the Ohio farm. 

June seemed to get along with everyone and remembered everyone’s birthday. She was friendly, outgoing, thoughtful, and considerate.  She had been battling breast cancer since its onset in 2012 and its return in 2017 as stage 4.  Despite the pain and discomfort, she still smiled and kept in touch with her many friends and family members.  She will be missed by many. 

Private Services were held at the convenience of the family under the supervision of Bizub-Parker Funeral Home, 47 Main St., Little Falls, NJ. Memorial Contributions may be made, in June's memory, to Eagle Hose Co. #1, PO Box 203, Little Falls, NJ 07424 or Patient Advocate Foundation, 421 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, Va. 23666 (This organization supports patients with financial assistance with breast cancer medications.) 

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