Marty Patrick Howell

Just above his eyes, the words “American Original” were inked across his forehead. The life of Marty Patrick Howell lived up to this moniker of his tattooed brow. He was original in every way he lived his life.

Marty was born in 1957 in Beaver Falls, PA to Adrienne Haigue and Richard Howell. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Marty grew up in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. He went to Swarthmore High School and graduated with the class of 1975. Marty spent a year in the U.S. Air Force before beginning his tenure at the University of Nebraska. He graduated in 1988 with a degree in English Literature.

Marty worked as a driver of special needs students for Delco School District, a delivery driver and in public sanitation. However, Marty was employed for twenty years as a parole officer for Chester County. After retiring, Marty moved to San Miguel, Mexico, where he collected recyclables to donate for the homeless and the less privileged. He rode his bike through the cobbled streets, spent time at Starbucks and the city square where he famously fed pigeons who seemed to befriend him.

Besides being the patron of the month at Starbucks, Marty led a “colorful” life. The color started with tattoos which covered his body from head to toe. The tattoos represent the original parts of Marty’s personality. His personality was defined by his pursuit of truths through philosophical readings and reflections. Marty had a library of tomes that question and challenge accepted truths, logic and conventional behavior. The most common author or subject to grace his shelves was the naturalist Henry David Thoreau. Like Thoreau, Marty valued the truths found though nature. He enjoyed hiking and the serenity of nature.

Besides the body art, Marty led a colorful life through the clothes he wore: often neon, bright and clashing. He wore them not as a statement but as if they were also a natural part of himself, and extension of the body art. His mother was a renowned artist and Marty’s collection of her work inspired his appreciation for color and sublime. Marty was always challenging norms and expectations through the books he read, his spiritual practice, the sports and activities he took up  and even the food he ate.

Marty was also inspired by eclectic Greek philosophers who challenged the status quo. Whenever topics of mainstream and cultural norms entered the conversation, he would scoff and challenge the accepted belief. He did so with every fiber of his being: the food he ate, the things he studied, and art on his very being. His independence reflects what he believed was the core of being American: living a life guided by thoroughly examined convictions. He truly lived the life of an American Original.

Marty is survived by his aunt Susan Clancy, his brothers Richard, Kurt and Brad, his sister Janine, his nephews: Ryan Howell-Conkey, Zachary, Tanner, Payton and Kael, his nieces: Jasmine Howell-Conkey, Destiny Howell-Conkey and Karissa. His grand-nephews Jonathan Keeley and Miles Keeley.

The family will have an outdoor service to honor Marty. The service will be at the Lehigh Gorge State Park – Rockport Access at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026. It is open to any friends who would like to pay their respects. If interested, please contact Kurt Howell (302) 745-7437.

In lieu of flowers, Marty’s family suggests donations to the Thoreau Society at: 55 Old Bedford Road, Concord, MA 01742.