Howard John Tiffany's Obituary
Howard John Tiffany, age 92, was received by his Savior, Jesus Christ on November 12, 2025.
He joins his beloved wife, Virginia Lee Tiffany who preceded him into glory on August 4, 2025. Two of his sons, David Lee and Mark Joseph, as well as his parents and four of five of his siblings, also preceded him.
Howard was born to James H Tiffany and Gladys Viola (Holliday) Tiffany on January 14, 1933. He was the youngest of 6, Horace, Kenneth, Clifford, David (who died in infancy) and Viola (Ole) Caldwell of California who is now 97 years old. His brothers and two cousins, Clarence and Jerry who lived with them growing up have all passed on. He is survived by his son, Alan B Tiffany, (Cyndee) and daughter Donna Anne Werst, (Lee) and 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Raised on his family’s farm in Milton Junction (now Milton), Wisconsin Howard helped out on the farm as well as on his grandfather's dairy farm making milk deliveries in town. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in April of 1951 at the age of 18. Following basic training in Texas, his first duty station was at Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois where he met his soon to be wife, Virginia Bunting. They were married on the 11th of January 1953 and in the following years, he became the proud father of Alan, David, Donna and Joe. He imparted to his children many skills, abilities, and a rich Christian heritage.
Howard's various positions in the USAF included Aircraft mechanic, electronics technician, munitions maintenance and instructor. He was honored throughout his Air Force career with various proficiency awards. In his last 7 years of service, he was at McGuire AFB working as a Nuclear weapons quality control inspector/supervisor. He graduated from the USAF Aerospace Defense Command NCO Academy in Colorado Springs. He also received the distinguished “Meritorious Service Award” among many additional awards. In his ‘off time’ he was his Squadrons’ Volleyball coach and the All Base team coach, leading the team to the ”All Air Force Volleyball Championship”. Howard retired from the Air Force in 1971 as a Technical Sergeant after 20 years.
Howard acquired his NASD Securities Exchange sales license and sold investment securities for several years. Other positions he had over the years were, Ruby Direct Distributor for the Amway Corp, and a sales professional for various automobile dealerships in both Wisconsin and in Florida, a production and quality control supervisor for Gibbs Manufacturing and Research Corporation, President and general contractor with Gombar Association of Rock County, WI., an Investment Counselor with International Diamond Corporation, state manager with Whittle Communications, and a data entry verifier with Nielson Media Research, Inc.
God gave Howard a gift of singing which he put to use as the church song leader and soloist throughout his life and a member of many choirs. He also had the opportunity to perform as a lead soloist in community productions such as, Handel’s "Messiah", "Oklahoma", “The Phantom of the Opera”, and many others. While in Florida he avidly pursued the karaoke scene with his wife Virginia, encouraging family members and friends who came to visit to participate. Howard, at one point, owned his own karaoke business where he was the DJ.
Howard learned to live out his faith in Jesus; though he went through many inner struggles to get to that point. He was well studied in The Holy Scriptures and along with faith, it carried him through his life. He strove to honor God and to serve Him. He recognized his shortcomings, and he tried to atone for them. He, along with his wife, were very benevolent, helping those in need over the years by opening up and sharing their home, lending a helping hand, or monetarily as they were able.
As we give tribute to Howard’s life's accomplishments, he would want you to know that any good he has done in this lifetime is a result of God working on him, changing him by His grace and that you may receive that same grace by humbling yourselves in the same way he did before the One who paid the price for all mankind's sins. Jesus gave up His life as the ultimate sacrifice for every person’s sins. Howard would want that gift, of Jesus the Son of God, to be your life experience and your legacy. Scripture says, “Seek God while He may be found”, and “Seek and you shall find, ask and it shall be given to you.” God Loves You, Please, Seek Him !
A Memorial Service will be held on November 20, 2025, at 10:00 am at Grace Bible Fellowship 2600 Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, Florida. A lunch will be provided by the Church.
A brief graveside service with Military Honors will be held from 2:00-2:30 pm at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota.
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