Howard Miniter - Obituary

aptain Howard E. Miniter, Jr. was born in Bridgeport Connecticut in 1934 and was raised in Queens, NY. He passed away peacefully in his home, October 25, 2011, after a long battle with illness. He was 77 years old. As a 27-year career naval officer, he served with great distinction and retired from active duty in 1984. He began his naval career in 1957 as a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a degree in Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from George Washington University. Upon his commission in the Navy, Captain Miniter served aboard the USS SARATOGA (CVA-60) as the five inch battery officer and then aboard the USS ENGLISH (DD-696) as the Engineering Officer. As a young Lieutenant, he assumed the duties as the Commanding Officer of the USS MONMOUTH COUNTY (LST-1032). Subsequently, he served as the Executive Officer of the USS ROBERT A OWENS (DD-827) and the USS CORONADO (LPD-11). Captain Miniter was then assigned as the Commanding Officer of the USS HARLAN COUNTY (LST 1196) and completed his distinguished naval career as the Commodore, Military Sealift Command, Atlantic Fleet. Other significant assignments during his career included tours in the Pentagon on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in the General Planning and Programming Division and as the Shipbuilding and Conversion Navy Appropriation Manager. He also served as the Director, Bureau of Naval Personnel and as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for Financial Management. Early in his career, Captain Miniter served as an Engineering Instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy. During his career he was awarded two Legion of Merit Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals and various unit awards. Throughout his professional naval career, he was known to take on challenging assignments and to achieve impressive results. His commitment to excellence is well-known to those with whom and for whom he served. Upon retiring from the Navy, Captain Miniter was President of Marine Carriers, New York, NY where he worked for over ten years. He fully retired in 1997 to a life of boating on the Chesapeake Bay. Captain Miniter was predeceased by his first wife, Frances T. Miniter of Brooklyn, NY. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Grace Platt Miniter. He is also survived by his two daughters, the former Beverly and Jenienne Miniter and three grandchildren Tara Fagan, Ally and Brendan Veit all of Annapolis. Funeral services will be held at the United States Naval Academy Chapel on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis MD 21401.