Macaranas, 53, died on April 16 of a heart attack.
He is survived by his wife Susan Escueta and their eight children.
His first wife, Margarita C. Macaranas, predeceased him.
Macaranas began his career in 1974 with Bank of America on Saipan and later assumed different positions in private companies like Continental Air Micronesia, the Micronesian Telecommunication Corp. and the Tinian CableVision.
In 1982, Macaranas switched to the public sector and became the resident director for the Community and Cultural Affairs office on Tinian.
He served as the island’s mayor in an acting capacity whenever the mayor was off-island.
In 1983, Macaranas was elected to the House of Representatives where he served a two-year term.
In succeeding years, he became the resident director for the Marianas Islands Housing Authority and the resident manager for the USDA Rural Development office for the Northern Marianas.
He was also an active community volunteer and served in different cause-oriented groups.
Rep. Edwin Aldan, Covenant-Tinian, who sponsored House Resolution 16-88, described Macaranas as “unselfish” who dedicated his time and service to the people of the commonwealth.
“The House and the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands hereby extend sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the late Honorable Howard I. Macaranas on his untimely passing and pay tribute to a man who provided untiring services to the entire commonwealth,” the resolution states.
