Howard Menger Passes

One of my childhood ufological heroes, Howard Menger, passed away on the 25th of February.

Obituary
Howard Menger, 87, beloved husband, father, retired Army veteran of World War Two, business owner, inventor, author, speaker, and long time resident of Vero Beach, transitioned peacefully at 11:11 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2009.

Born in 1922 in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up during the Great Depression on a farm in Highbridge, New Jersey, and joined the U.S. Army at the age of 19. Trained in a flame-thrower unit of the 713th Armored Tank Battalion, Howard served honorably in the service of his country while at war with Japan in the Pacific. During the battle for Okinawa, he earned the Purple Heart and several campaign medals. He left the service after the war and returned to Highbridge to start his own business in outdoor advertising and raise his family. During that time, he witnessed unexplained phenomenon that were described as “flying saucers” and wrote a book about his experiences. He also spoke to the public about these strange occurrences, appearing first on the Long John Nebel show in New York in the 1950s, as well as many other radio and television broadcasts over the years. He was both defamed and honored for his outspoken stories, and eventually left New Jersey to live in Florida, away from the public life.

Howard and his loving wife, Connie Menger, moved to Florida in 1962 to continue in the sign business and enjoy the beautiful weather. In Florida, Howard also worked on several alternative energy inventions in his own backyard shop, while he and Connie raised their family and built their local business, becoming one of the most successful outdoor advertising businesses in Indian River County. Howard and Connie eventually retired in 1991 from the business world and pursued other interests, primarily their family and their friends, including their domestic and wild animal friends! Howard always enjoyed nature, and loved to sit on the porch at his home, watching the birds and squirrels share his yard. He often built them their own homes, and made sure he kept their water bowls full. He also took time to write another book with Connie, and was asked to speak occasionally, both in the United States and abroad, about his early experiences in Highbridge.

Howard is survived by his wife, Connie, son Eric Menger, daughter Heidi Menger, and grandchildren Kristen, Tiffany, Christopher, and Caitlin Menger. Children from a former marriage are Richard and Patricia Menger. Howard and Connie celebrated their 50 year anniversary in May of last year.


May he travel among the stars.