What should’ve been the start of a bright, promising future turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for the Howard family. Timothy “Timmy” Howard, a 22-year-old recent college graduate from Southborough, Massachusetts, died on May 24 after suffering what his mother described as a “severe anaphylactic reaction” to peanuts.
Only a week earlier, Timmy had crossed the stage at the University of Rhode Island, earning his degree in communication studies and celebrating with loved ones. He had been preparing to start a summer internship. According to The Boston Globe and NBC Boston, everything seemed to be lining up for him.
“We just celebrated his college graduation, and he had his whole life ahead of him,” his mother, Patty Howard, wrote in an emotional Facebook post. “Our hearts are broken and we now have joined a club no one wants to be part of.”
Photos from the week before show Timmy in his cap and gown, beaming with joy after graduating on May 17. Friends and family never expected that just days later, they’d be mourning his loss.
The reaction that took his life was rapid and severe, a cruel reminder of how dangerous food allergies can be. Timmy’s passing has inspired his fraternity brothers at Phi Kappa Psi to launch a fundraiser focused on food allergy awareness and supporting research into anaphylaxis.
His family, too, is turning their grief into action. They’re asking those who wish to honor Timmy’s memory to donate to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) or Sandy Paws Rescue, a dog fostering organization that was close to Timmy’s heart.
Timmy wasn’t just a student—he was someone who made people feel good just by being around. He was known for his kindness, humility, and love for the people in his life. His favorite things included playing ice hockey, spending summers at Lake Winnipesaukee, and having long talks on the beach with his sister. According to everyone who knew him, he was full of life and compassion.
“Please hug your children a little tighter today, don’t sweat the small stuff, and spread kindness to this world,” his mom wrote. “It is not goodbye forever — it is until we meet again.”
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, May 30 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Cape Church in Brewster, Massachusetts. Friends and family will gather afterward for lunch to remember and celebrate Timmy’s life.
The loss is unimaginable, but those who loved Timmy are choosing to carry his memory forward—not just with sorrow, but with action, love, and awareness.