It is with unimaginable grief and deep sorrow that the family of Timothy “Timmy” Howard shares the devastating news of his sudden passing.
Timmy, a recent graduate of the University of Rhode Island (URI), died unexpectedly from a severe allergic reaction to peanuts—just days after celebrating his academic achievement. He was only 22 years old and had his whole life ahead of him.
Timmy was a bright, kind-hearted, and quietly radiant soul who touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His mother, Patty, described him as “a positive, upbeat, kind, quiet soul,” someone who lived with quiet strength and genuine warmth.
Timmy’s presence was calming and comforting, and he had a way of making others feel at ease. He was the type of person who never sought the spotlight, but his gentle nature and kind spirit shone through in all that he did.
He had just reached a significant milestone in his life—graduating from URI, ready to embark on the next chapter of his journey. He was, in his family’s words, “on the cusp of living his life,” filled with hope, plans, and a future brimming with possibility.
The tragic incident occurred at home, after Timmy ate a late-night snack that was unknowingly contaminated with peanuts. As someone with a known peanut allergy, Timmy was always cautious. But this time, something went terribly wrong.
“He came in and woke us up and said that he couldn’t breathe,” his father, Tim Howard, recounted. “At that point, it unfolded very quickly over a matter of minutes. We administered multiple EpiPens. The reaction was too far gone.”
His family is heartbroken, grappling not only with the loss of their beloved son and brother but also with the haunting reality of how swiftly and fatally an allergic reaction can progress.
They now want to turn their pain into purpose—raising awareness about the dangers of food allergies and the importance of accurate food labeling. “We don’t know how many times he’s had it or not had it,” Patty said.
“We just want to bring awareness to make sure everyone reads labels and really looks at the ingredients.” Her plea, echoed by Timmy’s sister Julia—who also has food allergies—is not just for consumers, but also for food companies.
“Putting ‘may contain’ on a label is not enough,” Julia said. “Knowing exactly what’s in your food and ensuring that consumers are fully informed is critical.” Through their heartbreak, the Howard family hopes that sharing Timmy’s story might save others from enduring a similar tragedy.
“Maybe we can help out another family, so they don’t have to go through what we just went through—hell and back,” Patty said. In Timmy’s honor, his fraternity brothers from Phi Kappa Psi at URI are stepping up to support the cause.
They are raising funds for FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with food allergies and providing vital education and advocacy for safer food practices.
Timothy “Timmy” Howard’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of food allergy awareness. While his time was far too short, his impact—through his kindness, his character, and the advocacy now being pursued in his name—will resonate far beyond his years.
His family, friends, and fraternity brothers will ensure that his memory lives on, not only in their hearts but also in the lives he will continue to touch through their efforts. Rest in peace, Timmy. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.
