Former Salem Mayor and longtime City Councilman Howard Packett is being remembered this week for his long heritage.
Packett, who died June 7 at age 93, served 24 years on Salem City Council. The advertising man was the founder of what became known as the Packett Group.
At the June 9 Council meeting, Councilman Randy Foley asked for a moment of silence to remember Packett. “He was a hoot,” Foley said.
Packett was a Korean War veteran who served in the U.S. Marines. He was also a former reporter for The Roanoke Times before spending 30 years in advertising, retiring in 1988 as president of the Packett Group.
Never one to sit still, Packett then became a Realtor, and served on the boards of the United Way, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, Salem Planning Commission and a score of other organizations.
He founded and was president of the Salem Men’s Garden Club.
On his John M. Oakey & Son obituary page, friends posted memories of Howard Packett’s wit and energy. “He had an amazing energy and zest for life,” wrote Judith Painter.
Tricia Givens remembered, “His great wit and humor, intelligence and wisdom, his generosity and serving heart.” She added, “Howard did a great deal in this community and surrounding communities. He was a dreamer and a doer…humble and kind and a gentleman.”
The Washington & Lee University graduate received a Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International, which signified $1,000 was given in his name for Rotary projects.
He is survived by his sons, John Packett of Baltimore and Mark Packett of Salem, as well as grandchildren Errin Lynn Packett of Salem and Oliver Howard Packett of Baltimore, as well as late daughter-in-law Brenda Packett’s children, Elizabeth and Evan Stillen of Salem; sister Sue Ellen Avellar of Ellicott City, and seven nephews and nieces.
Packett’s wife, Jane preceded him in death as well as did his brother, William Edward Packett.
A private graveside service is planned in Sherwood Memorial Park.
