Stephen C. Howell (Steve) was born on April 22, 1949, in Wilmington, DE. He died of a myocardial infraction on November 25, 2025, in Wilmington, DE. Steve was 76 years old. He was a proud nine-year cancer survivor. Steve was predeceased by his mother, Jane Thatcher Howell, in 1972, his father, William Edward Howell, Sr., in 1992, and his eldest brother, William Edward Howell, Jr., in 2024. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Coates, two brothers, Richard (Mary Ann) and Kenneth (Jeanne), his nieces and nephews, Edward Coates (Stephanie), Bill Coates, Lori Powell, Dan Coates, William Howell III, Kevin Howell (Jennifer), John Scott Howell, Dr. Deborah Howell (Bill Nadir), Catie Foley (Mark) and Thatcher Howell.
Steve’s early years included attending St. Mary Magdalene School and Salesianum High School. He played football and swam on his school’s swim team. He also swam for Hercules Country Club. Steve received his Eagle Scout and was selected by scout leaders and peers from Troop 342, to become a member of The Order of the Arrow. After high school, Steve spent two years at the Oblates of St. Francis DeSales Seminary in Childs, MD. He went on to complete his education at Villanova University, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in business finance and a minor in Jewish theology. His first career job was in the municipal bond business, working for JB Hanauer Co., of East Orange, NJ. Shortly after relocating to Miami, FL, in 1973, Steve had an opportunity to join the Florida East Coast Railway in transportation freight sales; a career he truly loved. After returning to Wilmington in the early 80’s, he was able to help his oldest brother, Bill, with his growing law practice. He was the law office manager and leasing agent for the building owner in Kennett Square, PA.
Steve was a born care giver and helped anyone in need of assistance. From helping to raise six of his nieces and nephews, to moving his sister into her new house, to taking care of his great nephew, to coaching a nephew’s soccer team, to helping his 103 yr. old neighbor, Mrs. Pearl Smith, to live independently, he was always there. He was the go-to guy for kids who needed air in their bike tires and parishioners needing a ride to church. He was the guy you could count on to figure out your tax questions, how to navigate the Social Security system, or to assist with Medicare sign-up each year. He always found a way to make things work with kindness in his heart and a smile on his face. Steve especially enjoyed helping his neighborhood friends, whom he considered part of his family. He is missed by many who were blessed by his presence.
Some things we will always remember Steve for: Sailing, camping, books, TV, movies and sports. His love for reading served him well throughout his life. He was an intellect with exceptional knowledge in many areas. Steve enjoyed his “toys” such as his Hobie Cat sailboat, his Triumph motorcycle and his VW Beetle. He had a great sense of humor and often kidded around with our mom. He enjoyed storytelling, whether his stories were real or made up. His famous opening line, “It was a dark and stormy night, my friends" led to many hours of great entertainment.
Steve was many things to many people; way too many to mention or recall on our own. We invite each of you to elaborate and reflect on how you knew Steve, or how your paths crossed over the years, by writing on Steve’s guest book page of the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home.
We thank you, Steve, for being an important part of our lives and may God Bless you as He welcomes you home.
