Donald C. Howley, Sr. (Don, Daddy, Pap, Pappy, CandyMan), 74, of Mahanoy City, passed away Sunday, October 9th at home with his loving family by his side. Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1942, he was a son of the late George Joseph and Mae (Brisach) Howley. Don proudly became a United States Marine on February 9, 1960 and was stationed at Parris Island, SC and in Okinawa, Japan. He was not a combat Marine and had the utmost respect for all those who were.

Don married the love of his life, Jean Susan Krolick, on May 8, 1965, and moved to Mahanoy City in 1972. Don worked as a laborer at various companies in his lifetime; however, his happiest and most fulfilling position was as a drug and alcohol counselor where he helped and guided many people with addictions. Don became a recovering alcoholic on November 14, 1983 and had 32 years of sobriety. He always maintained the "One Day at a Time" philosophy.

We as his personal family are forever grateful to his AA family in helping him achieve and maintain his sobriety. We could not have had the benefit of that sobriety for our family without you. For those of you struggling with a drug and/or alcohol addiction, we can tell you that whatever effort is needed to conquer that addiction, that effort is recouped immensely and results in a rewarding and fulfilling life for you and your family.

Don was a fantastic father, grandfather, uncle, storyteller and friend to many. He lived his life with faith, hope, love, courage, honesty and determination. He would donate (annonymously) what little money he had to various organizations and people in need; and always made time to share with family, friends and even strangers. Don tried to focus on the positives even in the most trying situations. He could always be counted on to make people smile and laugh. Neighborhood children would often stop by his house so they could select a candy bar from his refrigerator which always made him smile.

He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Mahanoy City and at one point, served as a Deacon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean, in 2002; and brother George in 2010.

Survivors include four (4) daughters, Debra Ann Yutko; Cassandra Jean Moucheron – husband Bobby; Joy Marie Sullivan – husband Rick; Susan Agnes Frantz – husband Brian; and two (2) sons, Donald Caruth Howley, Jr. and Brian John Howley – Michelle Scheeler. Fifteen (15) grandchildren: Joseph Yutko, Robert J. Yutko, Jr., Amy Yutko and Keith Puls; Jackie Sippie; Albert Eckrode and Raylene Brill, Samantha and Craig Wassell, Brittany Howley, Tyler Valentine, and Brandon George Howley; Carla Mae Abrachinsky, Matt and Connie Sullivan, Megan Sullivan and Zackary Gallagher; Cody Price and Brittaney Waizenegger, Joseph Simpson Jr., Faith Simpson. Eleven (11) great-grandchildren (and one on the way): ShaelynYutko; Keiden, Kaedon and Alexa Puls; Adalynn Eckrode; Shelby and Hadlee Wassell; Keegan Sullivan; Ares Wilner and Arianna Gallagher; Savannah Price. Children-in-Laws: Robert J. Yutko, Sr., Lori Gnall, Brian Abrachinsky and Krissy Austerberry. Also survived by a very special cousin who was more like a brother David Pryce (and his wife Ronnie) and many other loving cousins, nieces, nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2PM, Saturday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Mahanoy City, with the Rev. Dr. John H. Reid officiating. Internment will take place at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may visit at the church beginning at 11AM on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's Endowment Fund c/o 118 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City, PA 17948. Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.