Howard C. Bickford

Waltham - Mr. Howard C. Bickford, of Waltham, died Sunday, May 17, 2009. He was 93.

Howard was born in Haverhill on September 25, 1915, a son of the late Clarence and Annabelle (Cordiner) Bickford. He was the former owner of Bickford's Five and Ten store in Weston for many years. Howard had also worked for several years at Brae Burn Country Club in Newton as a starter, and was also an avid golfer and traveler and until the time of his death was a popular vendor at area flea markets.

He leaves his wife, Edith M. (Nickerson) Bickford; his children, Jennifer Bickford of Brookline, Diane Johnson of Hull, Georgia, Joanne Ruth of Cape Coral, Florida, Rhonda Stanley of Billerica, Priscilla Lareau of Dracut, Marcia Kilburn of Ashland, and Kathy Halloran of Barnstead, New Hampshire; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Howard was the brother of the late James F. Bickford and Virginia A. Tyra.

Family and friends will honor and remember Howard's life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte.20), Waltham on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 8 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Mary's Church Restoration Fund, 133 School Street, Waltham, MA 02451.