1947
06
Howard F. Armour, 70, of Unity Township, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017, at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, after a five month battle with cancer. He was born June 14, 1947, in Homestead, the son of the late Howard F. Armour and Maguerite (Houser) Armour. He served his country honorably during the Vietnam War as a Sergeant in the Army 1st M IV BARS Division. Howard returned from Vietnam in 1969 and continued his education as a registered nurse, then became a certified registered nurse anesthetist. He also attained a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in counseling. After six years in clinical anesthesia, he became the director of the Westmoreland-Latrobe (now Excela Health) School of Anesthesia, a position he held for 30 years. He loved teaching and looked upon his students as family. He never fully retired because he enjoyed being in the classroom so much. In addition to his work, his family meant the world to him, and he spent as much time as possible with his wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. At any gathering, Howard could be found surrounded by children, telling them outrageous stories or doing magic tricks. He was a voracious reader and loved movies. Howard is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Mary Alice (Kaszubowski) Armour; two daughters, Jennifer Stephens and her husband, David Wachter, and Joy Cusick and her husband, Eric; four beloved grandchildren, Cooper and Avery Stephens, and Julian and Jude Cusick; three sisters, Heidi Fancsali, of Pittsburgh, Rebecca (Mark) Roselli, of Rolla, Mo., and Kimberly (Paul) Hulzebos, of Lacey, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Howard will be remembered as a good man with a wonderful sense of humor, good nature, big smile and respect for all people.
Family and friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the JOHN J. LOPATICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Vincent Basilica. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Entombment will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery Mausoleum where military honors will be accorded by the Greensburg VFW Post No. 33.
Memorial contributions may be made to your local Vietnam Veterans Association or to Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Trust Foundation for the School of Anesthesia in memory of Howard Armour, 1 Mellon Way, Latrobe, PA 15650. To sign online guestbook, send condolences or to view detailed obituary information, please visit www.lopatich.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I'm sorry, Mary Alice. I just learned today of Howard's passing. We went to anesthesia school together many years ago. Anesthesia school was the most difficult thing that I ever had done in my life and Howard always came to class smiling and often had a joke to tell. We lost touch through the years but when Excela students would rotate through Somerset Hospital each one of them had good things to say about Howard. He made a real difference in so many students lives.
Jim Galico
Classmate
October 5, 2017
Thank you for all your help with the anesthesia review course. It has been over 25 years and I still remember your enthusiasm and your sense of humor.
Eugene Vajna
August 21, 2017
Mary Alice and Family. I never had the chance to meet you, but I served with Howie and the 1st Mibars folks throughout late 1968 and all of 1969. I tried for many years to attend one of the reunions, but both my wife and I have issues flying. I don't know what is in God's master plan but someday we will all find out. Regardless, even though he is not physically with you and the family anymore, rest assured he is there keeping his eyes on everything.
Bernie McGinley
August 19, 2017
Sorry to hear of Howard's passing. Howard was my program director at Westmoreland/Latrobe School of anesthesia. Class of 1997
Dale Davis
August 4, 2017
Remembering your great love story today and always.
August 4, 2017
Toby. Was my childhood friend, we went to school together and went to basic training in the army together. My deepest sympathy goes out for his family.
Johnny o
John Odrey
August 4, 2017
Howard was such a unique and kind hearted man. I attended Westmoreland-Latrobe school of anesthesia and graduated in 2002. I will always remember Howard's humor and wit.
Dawn Andreyo
August 4, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Howard's death. I wasn't around him much directly, but I was around his spirit--the joy and love that he passed on to his children, grandchildren, and shared with his wife reached far and wide. My love to Mary Alice, Jennie, Joy, his grandchildren, other family, friends, students, et al. He had a big heart and a giant smile.
Love,
Allison Ruppert and Rob Conroy
August 4, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to Mr. Armours family.
May the Lord hold him in His hands and bless his family with peace.
Romayne Kowalsky-Levcik
Shelley Vivio
RNC Business Office
August 4, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Howard was a great man to be around. I worked with him over the years in anesthesia. Deepest Sympathy, Christina Casper.
August 4, 2017
To Howard's family:
I was a classmate of Howard at St. Francis School of Nursing. I will always remember him for his wonderful humor and gentle kindness.
He remains in my thoughts and prayers.
~Alexis Kurpiewski Weber, RN, Class of 1971
Alexis Weber
August 4, 2017
So sorry for you loss Mary Alice. Howard was such a decent kind man.I know how much youll miss him.
Gary Hennon
August 4, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to my Cousin Mary Alice and daughters Jennie and Joy and their families. Just as Howard watched over all of you on earth he is now your guardian angel watching over you in heaven.
God bless all of you.
Debbie and Mike ❤
Debbie and Mike Blackburn
August 4, 2017
Met Howard in Vietnam Nam. I left early of 1968 and just had a short time with him. From what I know of him and from comments it is to my reqret that I didn't get to know him better. Prayers to the family.
Fred Guest
August 3, 2017
Dan and I send our deepest sympathy to Mary Alice and your lovely family. Howard was surely a unique guy who could always keep us laughing. But underneath all that he was a kind, caring, intelligent man who loved his family & cared deeply for our MIBARS group. He will be missed! Our son Dan & his wife Caitlin and our daughter Elizabeth & her husband Eric got to meet Howard at different reunions. They each told us how much they enjoyed him and felt very sad to hear of his untimely death. They ask that we send their condolences to you, Mary Alice & your family.
Andrea (Cookie) Newell
August 3, 2017
Rest in peace Howard. God bless and strengthen Mary Alice and family. You will be greatly missed.
Dolly Cain
August 3, 2017
So many memories of you, Howard. So many funny, kind, salt-of-the-earth, Nobody hangs up on me memories. You and Mer made the best family, and my heart breaks for each of you. I love you, Joy Beth. I'm so sorry.
Char Curry Blanton
August 3, 2017
Rest in peace Thank you for your service
Frances Martinsen
August 3, 2017
My wonderful brother was an inspiration to me and all who knew him. I will always miss him and his smile. He was bigger than life and helped me emotionally through some tough times
God gained an angel and a true gentleman.
My thoughts are with his wife and family.
Heidi
August 3, 2017
Howard was a true icon in the community and of course in THE FLEAFLICKER FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE! , where his wit and humor will be dearly missed .Our daughter Jennifer says he was one of the most entertaining and "best " teachers she's ever had! Our thoughts and prayers are with Howard and his lovely family.
Bill Bradley
August 3, 2017
Once Strangers, Forever Brothers. Thank you Howard for bringing us together again. 1st MIBARS. You, Mary Alice, and the Armour family will be in our prayers. Slow SALUTE!
David & Nancy Iverson
August 3, 2017
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
william and pamela matheny
August 3, 2017
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more