Howard B. Andersen, 58, of Onset, Chief of the Onset Fire Department died October 4, 2013 at home while surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Theresa M. (Jones) Andersen.

He was born in Wareham and lived in Onset for most of his life.

Chief Andersen joined the Onset Fire Department at age 15, having 43 years of service – 16 of them as Chief.

He also served as a Fire Fighter at Otis and for the DCR Bureau of Forestry at Myles Standish State Forest, and the Wareham Fire Department. He was a Fire Instructor at the Laconia Fire School and he was a Lucas Rescue Tool Instructor.

He was a member of International Fire Chiefs, Plymouth County & Mass Fire Chiefs Associations.

Survivors include his wife, Theresa M. (Jones) Andersen; his parents, Howard and Joan (Heikila) Andersen of S. Dennis; his son, Howard L. Andersen of Onset; 3 daughters, Leslie Andersen of PA, Courtney Coache of Onset and Brittany Andersen of Bourne; a step daughter, Nicole Demoura of Bourne; 3 grandchildren, Michael, Adrianna and Lillian; many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

His funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013 in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. Burial will follow in Centre Cemetery.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday.

Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5 Manley St., W. Bridgewater, MA 02379.

For directions and online guestbook, visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.