LeGrande (Sam) Ridgeway Howell, born August 5 , 19 26 , passed away at the age of 92 on Novem ber 6, 2018 at his home in Eliot , Maine . He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jane L emmon Howell, his son , Thomas L. Howell a long with his wife, Lori A. Howell, of Eliot, and his daughter, Ruth H. Sutton a long with her husband, D. James Sutton , of Buskirk, NY. Sam and Jane's oldest child, Ridgeway T. Howell, predeceased his parents in 2008 .

Sam also is survived by 8 grandchildren, Hannalea Howell and Pierce W. Howell , both of Eliot, M E ; James R. Sutton of Washington, D. C. ; Stephen E. Sutton, of San Diego , C A ; Caitlin L . Sutton , of San Diego, CA; Taylor P. Sutton , of Denver, C O; Connor A. Sutton, of Hoosick Falls, NY ; and Summer J. Sutton, of Philadelphia , PA . H e is also survived by his adoring dog, LuLu.

Originally from East Moriches, NY, Sam was one of three children and was the only son of Ruth Learie Howell and Ridgeway Taylor Howell. He graduated from Center Moriches High School in 1943 at the age of 16 and wanted to serve in the US Navy immediately after high school, but his parents woul d not consent to hi s join ing the military as a minor . H e was granted a scholarship to Union College, Schenectady, NY, and attended for several semesters until he was accepted into the V-12 Program , the pre-cu r sor of today's ROTC. In 1944 he entered the Navy as a midshipman and later rose to the rank of a commissioned officer. Two weeks after the war was officially over , he boarded the USS Alabama as it entered Tokyo Bay and his ship anchored adjacent to USS Missouri when the Arm i stice was signed , officially ending WWII . Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946 , Sam briefly worked in construction until he was able to return to Union College to complete his bachelor's degree and pursue graduate coursework at the University of Wisconsin.

After his military service, Sam taugh t chemistry at Munson Academy , Wilbraham, MA , and later math , chemistry , and physics at Williston Academy, Easthampton, MA , where he also coached track and field.  He took particular pride when , after coaching for four years , the team won the New England C hampionship. Following his teaching experiences, Sam made his career in sales and executive management at several companies: Lemmon Pharmaceuticals in Sellersville, PA ; Tilden Yates/Chemway in Worcester, MA ; Cooper Laboratories ; and Diamond Shamrock in Clev e land, OH .  Over his career he and his young family lived in five states and abroad in Quebec, Canada and Mexico City, Mexico .

In 1983, Sam and Jane moved to Eliot, Maine , to start an innovative aquaculture business , Spinney Creek Shellfish , with their son, Tom .  T h e business continues to provide restaurants and retailers with the finest shellfish today . Sam was a member of the Seacoast Wind Ensemble , served on the Eliot Board of Appeal s, and was a volunteer at York Hospital for 13 years.

Sam was known as a crusty "old salt" who loved fishing, boating, and gardening .  In his retirement he became a bee keeper. He lived on the Maine coast longer than any other location and marveled at all the area had to offer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cocheco Valley Humane Society, 262 County Farm Road, Dover, NH   03820 . Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com