Tommy Howell, a former bartender at Atlantic City LGBT establishments, died earlier this month at age 68.
Howell was diagnosed with cancer in October and died Jan. 2.
A native of Williamstown, N.J., Howell lived in Clementon, N.J., with his partner of 29 years, Tom Callahan.
Howell spent decades in the nightlife industry, serving as a bartender at Atlantic City gay bars Lark Inn and Rendezvous throughout the 1970s and ’80s, Callahan said.
Howell’s outgoing, affable nature made him a natural fit for the industry, said his partner.
“He was a nice people person,” Callahan said. “He loved people.”
Howell’s ability to communicate well also played into their own relationship, Callahan added.
“We kept everything open with each other, no secrets,” he said about the root of their longevity.
His partner’s generosity was also apparent to all who knew him, Callahan said.
“He loved everyone and would do anything to help someone who needed it,” he said.
In addition to Callahan, Howell is survived by brother Gary Howell; sisters Barbra Sapello and Patricia Forrest; several stepbrothers and stepsisters; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Stella, and stepmother Concetta Gregorio-Howell.
A private funeral was held earlier this month, and Howell was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Williamstown.