MILTON John H. Howard, a resident of Milton, formerly of Dorchester, lost his battle with cancer on May 31, 2009. He devoted his life to the education of children involving himself in Boy Scouts, CCD and teaching in the Boston Public school system for 38 years. John retired from West Roxbury High School in September of 1993. He was active in the Boston Teachers Union and continued that activity throughout his retirement. He especially loved history and was a grateful member of AA. The most important part of his life was his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Mary (Hanna) Howard, his children Jack Howard of Natick, Mary Zakarian and her husband Raymond of Lakeville, Peggy Solari and her husband Robert of Milford, NH, Joan Fitzgerald and her husband Paul of Whitman and Joseph Howard and his wife Deirdre of Hanover; his grandchildren Michael, Molly and Jacob Zakarian, Joseph and Daniel Solari, Taylor Fitzgerald and Jack and Colin Howard. He is also survived by his brother Charles Howard and his wife Dolores of North Falmouth and his sister Donna of Weymouth and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth and his sisters Helen Howard and Dorothy (Howard) Doss. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Elizabeth Church, Reedsdale Road at Randolph Avenue, Milton, Thursday June 4 at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, MILTON, Wednesday 4-8 PM. Interment Saint Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. For information and directions, www.dolanfuneral.com