Howard S. Keppler, 87, The Villages, Florida, passed away on September 17, 2016. Howard was born on August 26, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY. He served in the United States Marine Corps and got his degree in engineering. He had a long successful career with Loral Electronics winning the President’s award in 1990. His career took him to many exotic locations, which he enjoyed with his wife of 34 years, Joan Keppler, who passed away in 2003. They moved to The Villages in 1996. Howard was very active in The Villages community and was called The Mayor of Rio Ranchero. The Mayor started the first telephone directory, put together numerous BBQ’s and charity events, was a founding member of Temple Shalom, helped develop the first dog park in Paradise Park and was a CERT responder. Howard was chosen to be a participant of the June 2014 Honor Flight. He was an avid golfer and very proud that he achieved a hole-in-one, three different times!
He is survived by his long-time companion Noreen Sidener, his two daughters, Karen Mangan (Dennis) of New York, Valerie Ramer of Seattle, WA and his step-son Michael Fazio (Sonya) of Virginia, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and his lovable Chihuahua, Ringo. The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Elan Assisted Living for their care and support. A memorial service will be held on October 3, 2016, at 10:30am at Beyers Funeral Home, 134 N Highway 27/441, The Villages. Interment will take place at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Col. Phillip DeLong, Detachment 1267, Marine Corps League, Inc., 11962 CR 101, The Villages, Florida, 32162.
