Jay Howard McCollum, 65, of Coventry, Connecticut died on May 19, 2018, suddenly and peacefully, surrounded by friends and family. Jay will be deeply and profoundly missed and will be remembered for his musical talent, love of family, kindness, friendship and depth of knowledge on many topics. Jay Howard, a musician would have loved a great jam session, followed by a barbecue, as a good-bye. A beautiful and free spirit, he must be loving Rock n Roll Heaven. A lifelong resident of Coventry, Jay Howard was proud of his family's rich historic roots and contributions in the community and of his treasured family manor, "Rocknoll". He was most proud, though, of what he felt was his greatest accomplishment; his son, Jay Brandon McCollum. Jay Howard loved to be with family, watching and helping his best friend and grandson, Alex working on his cars and talking about a myriad of topics. During and after high school, Jay Howard pursued his passion for all things drums. Jay played the drums for most of his life, playing locally and professionally. Jay Howard supplemented his art as a truck driver for several national companies. Jay’s diligence and hard work led to his position as a Quality Control Inspector at Quick-crate, a position from which he held when he retired. Ten years ago, he met and married the love of his life, Marlene Dietrich. From then on, they were rarely separated and had a large group of friends with whom they enjoyed music and parties. He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene Dietrich McCollum, formerly of Norfolk, VA, and by Jay Howard’s son best "buddy", Jay Brandon McCollum, contractor, of Coventry CT; step sister, Ronnie Falana of Trumbull CT, step brother, James Falana, of Sarasota, FL and most important his devoted grandson, Alex Lanbonte of Coventry. Jay Howard was predeceased by his grandmother, Doris Manning, his amazing mother, Roberta Manning Falana of Coventry, his step father Hustus Franklin Falana, Jr. of Coventry and Savannah, and step brother, Frank Falana of Wethersfield, CT. Relatives and friends may join the family on Friday, June 1, 2018 from 5 to 6 pm at Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home, 2665 Boston Turnpike, Coventry, CT. A Memorial service will take place at 6 pm. For online condolences, please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com. “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Henry David Thoreau