Howard J. "Howie" Oliver of Winthrop and former resident of Melrose and Malden passed away on April 20th 2017 at the age of 86. Howie proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War, then worked as a skilled machinist most of his life before retiring. He was the proud co-owner of Mim and Jim's Consignment shop in Melrose in the 1970s. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary V. (McGonagle) Oliver. The loving father of Lynne A. (Oliver) Hatton, Lieutenant US Navy and husband Lee Hatton Lieutenant Commander US Navy, step-father of Deborah T. Oliver, Mary (Purdy) Waterman, Dennis E. Purdy and wife Sheri (Arbit) Purdy and the late Richard P. Oliver, William P. "Skip" Purdy and Donna M. Purdy. Proud Grandfather of Ryan M. Purdy, Justin E. Purdy, Katherine R. "Katie" Oliver and Jordan P. Jones. Caring brother to Robert "Bobby" Oliver and the late Joseph Oliver, Violet (Oliver) Reddington, Lorraine (Oliver) Grant, Sally (Oliver) Massa and Louis "Louie" Oliver. Visiting hours will be held at Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Saturday April 29th, from 12:30PM to 1:30PM with a short service at 1:30. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472. For directions & to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com