Ronald Mark Howard, 73, of Emmaus, died September 26, 2012, with his wife and sons by his side. He was the husband of Priscilla Howard. They were married for 45 years. Born in Wilmington, Del., he was a son of Rose Battaglia Howard and the late Charles L. Howard.

He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Reaching the rank of Major, he earned many decorations including a Purple Heart; two Bronze Stars, one for Valor; the Gallantry Cross with Silver Star; 18 Air Medals, one for Valor; two Army Commendation Medals and various campaign medals.

He worked at Air Products for 24 years where he became manager of project and construction engineering before accepting a position at The Business Roundtable in Washington, D.C. as director of the construction safety initiative.

He was a member of Saint Thomas More Catholic Church and Brookside Country Club, where he reached one of his goals in hitting a hole-in-one.

He was an avid reader, golfer and sports enthusiast who loved cheering on the Phillies and his Fighting Irish.

Contributions may be made to the Cancer Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital or to St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

Arrangements were made by the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown.