Howard J. Gilmore, 82
Howard J. Gilmore, 82, of Onset, formerly of Merrimack, NH, and Martha’s Vineyard, died Sunday, September 27, 2026, at his home. He was the husband of Nancy Kirk, with whom he shared over 20 years.
Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Irene (Regan) and Howard James Gilmore.
Howard retired as principal of Wareham Middle School. He previously served as an administrator in the Burlington, Merrimack, NH, Wilton, NH, Groton, Peterborough, NH, and Bridgewater school systems.
Prior to his career in education, Howard served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. After serving in-country for over a year, then-Lieutenant Gilmore received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.
Howard enjoyed golf and traveling. You could most likely find him exercising at the “Y” or biking along the canal. He was also a longtime volunteer at Damien’s Food Pantry. Howard had a peaceful soul and embraced his family and friends with love and pride. He had a hearty laugh and a welcoming hug, and when he wrapped you in his arms, you knew you were safe.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy; his children, Dan Gilmore and his wife, Stacy, of Groton, MA; Margaret Leibowitz and her husband, Michael, of Branford, CT; Elizabeth Gilmore of Mashpee; and Brenna Kirk and her partner, Ben Gangelhoff, of Fraser, CO; his grandchildren, Danielle Leibowitz, Zach Leibowitz, Makayla Leibowitz, Caroline Gilmore, Regan Gilmore, and Sydney Gilmore; and his great-grandchildren, Norah, Lucy, and Jane Leibowitz, and Keagan Craig. He was predeceased by his sisters, the late Susan Goba and Barbara Gilmore.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 9 to 11 AM. A prayer service will follow at 11 AM.
Donations in his memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or Damien’s Food Pantry, 242 Marion Rd., Wareham, MA 02571. For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.
