Stephen Joseph Howie, 74, of Richmond passed away on January 15, 2026.

Born in Washington D.C., he was the son of the late Leroy R. Howie and Loretta B. (Donohoe) Howie.

As a naturally talented artist, Stephen achieved an associates degree in Digital Design. He spent most of his adult life in the Washington D.C. area, working in the Human Relations Department for McGraw-Hill Company.

Stephen was an avid reader and was a lover of music. When you visited Steve, you were always treated to a variety of beautiful songs! His love of music was carried into the theatre, with attending musicals being one of his favorite spare-time activities.

Stephen was a friendly, truly accepting individual who was kind to everyone. He was intelligent, open to new ideas, and always ready to travel! Going to many different countries, he absorbed the culture and language of his surroundings and conveyed his experiences to friends and family through conversations and photography.

Stephen is survived by his loving partner, Keith Bissonnette, his siblings, Robert M. Howie (Linda), Deborah A. Weir, Pamela J. Howie and Teresa L. Emmell (Kevin). He was blessed with his partner's siblings as well: Kim Bissonnettte and Guy Bissonnette (Sharon), as well as many loving nieces and nephews from both families.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM on January 23, 2026, in Avery Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St. Wakefield. A few words will be shared by Stephen's family immediately following at 12 PM. Interment will be held at 10 AM on Saturday January 24, 2026, at Portsmouth Cemetery, Turnpike Road and Dexter Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Human Rights Campaign, Meals on Wheels and Courthouse Center for the Arts in South Kingston, RI.