Ronald Fletcher Howard, affectionately called “Ronnie” by his family, was a Vietnam veteran.

Howard died Feb. 29, 2012. He was 63.

Howard was born Oct. 1, 1948, in Philadelphia to Alfred Fletcher Howard and Nellie Adele Gee Howard.

He graduated from Overbrook High School in Philadelphia and attended Cheyney State University.

While a student at Cheyney, Howard felt it was his duty to serve his country, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. Upon his return from active duty, Howard worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He was employed with the postal service until his health began to fail.

At a young age, Howard joined Calvary Episcopal Church N.L. His spiritual quest for growth and knowledge of various religious doctrines was a constant for him. Because of this desire to grow in his faith, Howard attended Temple University to study the interrelationships of various religions, as well as self-awareness, personal and financial growth.

Howard was passionate about life. He was an active participant in the Disabled American Veterans, Naomi Chapter 15 and the Vietnam Veterans of America, Liberty Bell Chapter 266. Ronald attended Senate hearings representing disabled veterans as well as taking part in services at the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

In his heyday, he was known on the neighborhood basketball courts as “Rocketron.” He was also an avid basketball and football fan cheering on his favorite Philly teams. He often sat in front of the television for hours watching the games.

Howard was committed to his family as well. Family gatherings were important to him. He had a sense of humor and was generous, caring and sensitive. Howard made yearly contributions to the NAACP and the U.S. Olympics just to name a few. He also had a strong will.

His brothers, David and Larry, preceded him in death.

Howard is survived by his daughter, Ayanna Washington; son-in-law, Hakim Washington; sisters, Barbara Howard, Carolyn Weaver and Patricia Blue-Williams; brothers-in-law, Clarence Weaver and Adolphus Williams; granddaughters, Amber, Amaya and Ava; and other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held March 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Bringhurst Funeral Home, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, Pa. Burial to begin at 1 p.m. at West Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA, Hospice of Greater Philadelphia, Attention: Veterans Department, 3300 Henry Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa, 19129.

Bringhurst Funeral Home handled the arrangements.