Robert D. Howell

Robert D. Howell, 86, entered eternal rest on April 23, 2018. Robert, (known to most as Bob) was born February 23, 1932 in Fair Haven, NY to the late Robert and Lillian (Sorensen) Howell. Bob grew up in Fair Haven, leaving at the age of 18 for the Navy. He spent 4 years on The Battleship New Jersey during the Korean War from 1950-1954.

After the Navy, Bob met and married his sweetheart and wife of 62 years, Shirley (Barclay) Howell. Bob then went to work for John Phillips on his dairy farm for 3 years and then started his career driving truck for Matlack until his retirement. He and Shirley spent 19 years during their retirement spending their winters in Beverly Hills, FL. They returned to Fair Haven year round in 2016. Bob was an avid fisherman, hunter, skeet shooter and amateur radio operator. In his retirement Bob enjoyed playing golf with his wife and friends. Bob has been a long time member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Red Creek and a member of The Fair Haven American Legion. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lillian Howell.

Surviving are his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley (Barclay) Howell; children, Terri DiGregorio of Fair Haven, Robert W. Howell (Faith Smith) of Lynchburg, VA, Karen Cobb (Tommy) of Fair Haven, sister, Iris Howell of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 7 grandchildren, Jon Taylor (Brandy), Kelli Abraham, Hannah Shaffer (Zachary), Betsy Masai (Donald), Carrie Smitthimedhin (Ben), Sandra Dannemiller (Joseph), Michael Sherry (Jennifer); 10 great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Mitchell, Lily, Madeline, Helena, Mark, Alexandra, James, Manuel, Samuel.

Funeral will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, April 27, 2018 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Route 104A in Red Creek. In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged in his memory to St. Thomas Catholic Church and The Churches of Fair Haven (Calvary Baptist and the Community Church) for their gracious support.