Howard Douglas Lovering, 83, of The Villages, FL, passed away on November 14, 2025. Butch was born on July 28,1942, in Arlington, MA, to Howard and Irene (King) Lovering.
He graduated from Arlington High School in 1960 and then attended Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH. He graduated from Norwich University in Northfield, VT, in 1966 and received his Master’s degree in 1976 from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.
Butch earned two Bronze Stars with Valor along with other honors during his tour in Vietnam.
Butch’s career as an educator, vice principal (in charge of vice, as he said), and coach in Massachusetts and Vermont spanned a period of 34 years, retiring in 2001.His passion was coaching ice hockey and football during his career in Vermont and was most proud of his championship wins over the years.
He spent the last 22 years living in The Villages, FL, practicing and hoping to perfect his game of golf.
He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Clarence Lovering.
Butch is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy Whittemore Lovering, daughter, Kristen Chisholm(James), son, Michael(Erin), sister, Nancy Johnston(Bill), grandchildren, Colin Spaulding (Misty), Camden Spaulding(Michaela), Kayla, Duncan, and Roderick Chisholm, Molly, Mia, and Maggie Lovering, and two great-grandchildren, Brantley and Maverick Spaulding.
A burial ceremony will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, on December 11, 2025 at 1pm. A celebration of life is planned for this coming summer.Arrangements are by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home in The Villages.Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Alzheimer’s Association, Norwich University, or a charit