Allan Niles Howe, beloved friend of many, died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020 after a long illness. He was 67.

He was born in Longmeadow and raised in a home his grandfather built in the early 1900s. He was proud of being a descendant of an officer on the Mayflower. He graduated from Longmeadow High School in 1972 and received an associate degree from Springfield Technical Community College.

Allan had summered on the Vineyard with his family during his childhood and, in the late 1970s, made the decision to make the Island his permanent home. His first job was for the Oak Bluffs historical survey. Later, he transitioned into being the hotel manager at the Colonial Inn and then the Wesley Hotel. After leaving the hotel industry, he was a landscape designer for 20 years. His love of all things growing showed in the care he took in installing and maintaining garden landscapes. His clients appreciated his attention to detail and his consideration of their wants and needs.

During the last few years, Allan was a board member for Island Health Care. He spent much of his time catching up with old friends and indulging in his love for art, food, and conversation. He was known for his quick wit, and loving, kind, compassionate spirit. His diverse group of friends will always remember him for his gracious and famous dinner parties.

He was the son of Harry Howe and Verna Howe Mahoney and the stepson of Charles Mahoney, all whom preceded him in death.

A private celebration of life will take place on August 12 on Martha’s Vineyard. Interment will take place in Longmeadow this fall.

Donations can be made to the Polly Hill Arboretum, or the Cape and Islands Visiting Nurses Association.