Richard R. Howell
Richard R. Howell passed away March 16, 2012. He was a native of Chicago Heights, Ill., and moved permanently to the Valley in 1988.
Rich was the Phoenix Suns equipment manager from 1988 to 2006. He sadly left his position with the Suns after suffering a stroke.
Rich loved life, loved people and always tried to find the positive side of a situation. He was known for never voicing a negative opinion of anyone.
Rich was an avid golfer, loved to fish and was an RV enthusiast who traveled across the country. At this stage of life, he spent six months of the year in Show Low, Ariz.
He loved animals, especially dogs, and enjoyed his present dogs Birdie and Bogie but kept his departed dog, Scooter, close to his heart.
Rich is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rosemary K. (Colangelo), sisters Barbara Hall Bruti and Shirley M. Cellini, 43 nieces and nephews, and numerous faithful friends. He was the proud brother-in-law of Jerry Colangelo.