Howard M. Wildey

Howard M. Wildey Sr., a lifetime resident of Bucks County, proud veteran, devoted family man, and lifelong pillar of his parish community, peacefully accepted God's call home on September 22, 2026 at Pickering Manor in Newtown at the age of 79, following health challenges from a stroke he suffered in May 2021. Howard made all wrong right, making every single dream come true for his children.

Howard was always on the go, moving through life with relentless energy, but his true purpose was serving others. Out of pure kindness, he was always entirely willing to help those in need, giving everything he possibly could to ensure people had what they required and were truly happy. It was his signature way of doing for others, quietly ensuring nobody around him had to face their struggles alone. Yet, when he needed a moment for himself, Howard found his ultimate sanctuary at his beloved lake. The lake was his ultimate hideaway, a cherished place that gave him pure tranquility and peace, where he could simply sit, relax, and reflect by the water.

Howard truly lived his faith and bled scripture in everything he did. His deep love for God’s Word was a vibrant, active force in his life. He was a dedicated member of the Holy Trinity men's group, where he shared fellowship and strength with his brothers in Christ. Deeply involved in parish life and spiritual growth, he served as a facilitator for the Alpha program, guiding others as they explored their own faith. Howard was also an active participant in the Charismatic Catholics of Philadelphia, embracing a lively and spirit-filled devotion to God. A true highlight of his spiritual journey occurred in 2015, when he traveled to see Pope Francis during the historic World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

Howard was the epitome of a hard worker who always put the needs of his family before his own. His greatest pride and joy were his children. In youth sports, Howard was the ultimate coach, dedicating years of service to Levittown National Baseball, St. Mike's football, and Penndel Wildcats football. His excellence and dedication earned him the titles of both Coach of the Year and Umpire of the Year, and he held a great reputation throughout the community as being an awesome umpire. He was looked up to by countless young athletes for his meaningful mentorship, leading his teams and many All-Star teams to win many championships throughout his coaching career. His deepest athletic passion, however, was standing beside his son throughout his wrestling journey. Traveling tirelessly across the country for many years, Howard mentored, guided, and supported his son, helping groom him into a nationally ranked All-American wrestler.

Howard had a uniquely historic start to life. Born in Dachau, Germany, in 1947, he held dual citizenship through his father, who was stationed there serving in the United States Army. Later that year, his family arrived in the United States and settled in Northeast Philadelphia, where Howard attended BBM (Blessed Virgin Mary) school and church, building the foundation of faith that guided him throughout his life.

The family later moved to the Red Cedar section of Levittown in Bucks County, marking the start of a lifelong chapter. Howard graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and attended St. Michael the Archangel Parish school and church, remaining an active, faithful member of the parish from his youth until his passing.

A proud serviceman, Howard served his country in the National Army Reserve at Fort Dix. As a Reservist, he served as a Squad Sergeant and excelled as an expert sharpshooter, earning numerous awards for his marksmanship. His skill and organizational leadership also extended into the community, where he was a dedicated member and served as the Treasurer of the Board for the Morrisville Mouser's organization.

Howard was gifted with mechanical skill and rarely sat idle. He loved motorcycles, raced them, and spent weekends as a mechanic at Riffs, Empire, and Harr Brothers Yamaha in Trenton. Professionally, he was a master welder in the pipe mill for United States Steel at Fairless Works until the facility closed, later working at Clairton Works near Pittsburgh, where he officially retired. An enterprising craftsman, he ran his own business as an independent welding contractor and worked as a mobile welding and automotive inspection specialist with Nelco in Bristol, PA. Passionate about passing his expertise down to the next generation, Howard also shared his knowledge as a substitute welding teacher at Burlington County Institute of Technology (Burlington Tech). In his later years, Howard found great purpose driving patient transport for the Legacy of Life Foundation, ensuring patients in need made it safely to and from their appointments.

Funeral arrangements have been placed in the gentle care of Galzerano Funeral Home on Bristol-Oxford Valley Road.

Howard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Marie Wildey (née McGauley), as well as his cherished animal companions: his big Pusser, Ariella, Isabella, and big fat Pete.

He is survived by his loving children, daughter Monica A. Wildey and son Howard M. Wildey Jr.; his cherished grandchildren, Avery Lynn Redner and Howard M. Wildey III; his sister, Lynn K. Wildey of Newtown; his longtime brothers-in-law, Kevin McGauley of Bristol and Brian McGauley of Levittown; two nephews; a niece; and a wide circle of dear friends.

SERVICES & HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

Family, friends, and fellow parishioners are warmly welcome to come celebrate Howard's homecoming. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 66 Levittown Parkway, Levittown, PA 19054, on Wednesday according to the following schedule:

Review / Viewing: Wednesday morning beginning at 9:00 AM at the church.

Celebration Mass: Wednesday morning beginning at 10:00 AM at the church.

Burial: To follow with military honors at Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery, Langhorne, PA.

In lieu of flowers, out of respect for his legacy of care, memorial donations can be made directly to his family.