Howard Konetchy

Howard Arthur Konetchy passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the American House in Charlevoix, MI. He was born September 18, 1927, in Roslindale, Massachusetts (a suburb of Boston) to Edith (Shepperson) and Edward Konetchy. In July of 1946, he met Barbara Mae Urlass and they were married on August 25, 1950. They had 3 children, Douglas Alan, Linda Susan and Peter David.

Howard deeply loved his God, his country, his family and friends.

During WWII, Howard served in the US Coast Guard on weather patrol in the North Atlantic. After being discharged, he joined the Naval Reserve and retired in 1987 as a Captain. Howard graduated from Boston University, worked at Norfolk and Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Co. in Dedham, MA, becoming VP and Treasurer, then went to Midwest Chemical Co. in Detroit serving as President. He was then asked to return to active duty with the Navy and set up an NJROTC unit in an inner-city high school in Detroit. This turned out to be very successful and a model for other NJROTC units in inner-city schools.

After retirement, he and Barbara moved to Beaver Island, MI. They built a home where they had many friends and enjoyed the area. Howard and Barbara moved to Sun City, Georgetown, TX in 1997 until Barbara passed in 2022. He then moved back to Beaver Island to be with his daughter.

He is survived by 2 sons, Douglas (Janet) Konetchy of Waxhaw, NC and Peter (Zhanna) Konetchy of Roscommon, MI and his daughter, Linda Warner, of Beaver Island, MI. He also had 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Throughout the years he was a member of fraternal organizations-Orient Lodge AF&AM, Norwood, MA; San Gabriel Lodge AF&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Austin, TX, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Military Order of World Wars; Association of USN, Navy League and Mensa. He also served on the USO Advisory Council at Fort Hood for many years and was instrumental in running the "Cookie Commandos", a volunteer group from Sun City, offering cookies and supportive conversation to soldiers deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.

A private service for family is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hillsdale College, Attn. Gift Processing, 33 E. College St., Hillsdale, MI 49242. Please write “In Memory of Howard Konetchy” in the memo line.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com