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Robert Howard Obituary
ITHACA - Robert "Bob" Leon Howard died at home Friday, September 12, 2008, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Howard was born October 11, 1924 to the late Lena and Asa Howard in their Durfee Hill Home. He was the youngest of two sisters and three brothers, all of whom predeceased him.
After graduation from Ithaca High School, Bob enlisted in the US Army and faithfully served his country during World War II. Bob married Helen Elizabeth Ryerson, to whom he was married for sixty two years. Together they had two children, Bonnie Howard Howell and Robert Leon Howard Jr., who died in 1973.
Bob Howard joined the Tompkins County Sheriff Department where he was employed for over 30 years. Of the 30 years, 27 of those were as the elected Sheriff, one of the longest terms for the Sheriff Department. Before being elected Sheriff, he was a deputy and a detective. Bob was most proud of the Junior Deputy Program, a program he developed whereby the Sheriff Department provided a summer camp experience to local at risk youth.
Bob also raised quarter horses and was an avid horse back rider, was a member of the Beagle Club and owner of many Beagles. He loved hunting and playing cards during his retirement. Bob was a faithful member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Ithaca.
In addition to his wife, Betty; and daughter, Bonnie Howell; Bob is survived by three granddaughters, Elaine Howard (Karl L.) Ecklund, Carolyn Howell (Brian) August, and Kathryn Helen Howell; daughter-in-law, Fern Vaughn; nieces, nephews and many dear friends (all of whom will deeply miss him).
Friends may call Monday, September 15, 2008, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Bangs Funeral Home where members of the Tompkins County Sheriff Department will act as Honor Guard. Private services will be held Tuesday, followed by burial in the Enfield Christian Cemetery. Memorial donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Bonnie Howard Howell Education Center, Cayuga Medical Center, 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, New York 14850.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Howard
Joan Young
September 21, 2008
Dear Betty - Both my brother Roy and I check The Ithaca Journal whenever we find time to turn the computer on and Roy beat me to it and sent me the obituary on your beloved husband. Both Roy and I are terribly sorry for your loss and extend to you our deepest sympathy. Your cousin: Joan Riley Young
GERALD PALLACE
September 16, 2008
TO THE HOWARD FAMILY,SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS,SHERIFF HOWARD GOT ME INTERESTED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT THROUGH THE EXPLORER PROGRAM IN THE EARLY 70s,HE HIRED ME IN 1980,I WORKED FOR HIM UNTIL HE RETIRED,WE HAD OUR UPS AND DOWNS BUT WE ALWAYS RESPECTED EACH OTHER,I THINK HE MADE ME A BETTER PERSON,NOW THAT I LOOK BACK,HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL THE LIVES THAT HE TOUCHED.GERALD PALLACE/RETIRED/TCSO,2001.
cindy howard-meddaugh
September 16, 2008
dear aunt betty&bonnie,My thoughts&prayers are with you.cindy howard meddaugh
Dan Nussbaum
September 15, 2008
I am very sorry for the family's loss. Sheriff Howard also hired me in 1980, after many months of my pestering! From TCSD, I went on the private security, LAPD, running a 911 Center and now a Watch Commander in a County Center, and still going strong nearly thirty years later! Thanks for the memories, Sheriff. I think about you often
Randy Hausner
September 15, 2008
Dear Bonnie:
I was saddened to learn of your dad's passing. I thoroughly enjoyed my long association with your dad while he was Sheriff. The citizens of Tompkins County have lost a hard working, honest and dedicated public servant. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Elizabeth Small
September 15, 2008
Dear Bonnie,
you and your family are in my thoughts.
Your father was a very kind man.
May your God bless you and yours.
Jim & Shirley Herson
September 15, 2008
To the Howard family; We were so saddened to learn of Bob's passing. Jim and Bob worked side by side for many years when Jim was in Police work. They both did it with expertise and wise judgement. Jim enjoyed many picnics playing cards with Bob. He said Bob always beat him. He was a fine man and will be missed by the whole community that he served so honorably. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. May God be with you.
Tom Foley, Reggie Yoskowitz
September 15, 2008
Dear Bonnie, We know how hard it has been for you and your family especially in the recent months. We are so sorry for your loss and all of us at FPY are thinking of you and send our heartfelt condolences.
Carol Beebe
September 15, 2008
Bob will be missed.
Anita Sanford
September 15, 2008
Aunt Betty and Bonnie I am so sorry for your Loss I will Miss Uncle Bob a lot.My prayers and thoughts are with you all Love Anita
Carol Sue Uitos
September 15, 2008
My prayers and condolences to you Betty, Bonnie, and all your family.
JACKI BROOKS
September 15, 2008
My Dear Bonnie and Betty,
I had the occassion to meet Bob when my father in-law(Patrolman Elett "JR" "Brooksie") introduced us at an event a long time ago. I felt that Bob had special qualities and he would go far in his career. His daughter Bonnie I got to know better as I do volunteer work at the hospital and there is no greater bond than that of a parent and child. Bob was the type of sheriff that passed much of his knowledge to his deputies. Sheriff Bob will be missed...but not forgotten. My heart goes out to the entire family on their loss at this time.
In Friendship and Sympathy,
Mrs.Jack Brooks
Pauline & Andrew Conroy
September 15, 2008
I had the privilege of purchashing a beagle pup from Bob three years ago for my son's 10th birthday, and she was the best birthday present he's ever received! Bob was a very generous and friendly man, inviting us back to the farm to visit the other dogs. We also had the privilege of meeting him up @ the Danby Beagle Club for a "hunt" one day. My son had a couple of telephone conversations as well after we brought Daisy home, and often asked me if he could go visit "Sheriff Bob". Bob let my son take pictures of Daisy's parents and grandma, which he proudly shows still today! We brag about Bob and his beagles often. Bob touched my son's life through just a few interactions with him. We know that Bob took great pride in his animals and we are very proud to say we have one of his "champion" beagles!
We also recently found out that the quarter horse that my daughter has beening riding in horse shows (and winning many ribbons with), was one that Bob trained before she was sold to her current owner!
My children and I express our deepest sympathies to Bob's family.
We thank you for sharing Bob with us. His legacy lives on through all the animals and people who's lives he touched over the years.
Dale Grover
September 15, 2008
Enjoyed knowing Bob.
Shirley Holcomb
September 15, 2008
To the Bob Howard family, you all have my sincerest condolences at this time of your loss. I worked for Bob for 21 years and if it wasn't for him my life wouldn't have been the same. He introduced me to politics and it was an experience I will never forget.
Paul Pagliaro
September 15, 2008
My best wishes go out to the Howard family in this time of sadness. I am glad I got to know Bob out side of the work environment where he could be stern and intense as Police work often calls for that demeanor and spent time with him hunting, cutting wood and at an occasional square dance. He could do all these activites and more with gusto. I was honored to be chosen one of his Juvenile Officers helping kids that made mistakes and working in the local schools with the Jr. Deputy Program educating 6th graders about Police work and the dangers of drugs and bad behavior. The youth of Tompins County were a major priority in his administration. Many advancements in the Sheriff's Dept were made during his time in office. One-oh one is out of service here and 10-8 in a better place. Paul Pagliaro, Deputy Sheriff Ret.
Paul & Brandy Nedrow
September 15, 2008
To the Howard Family
Our prayers are with you..Sheriff Bob was so nice to our family
Linda Wood (Johnston)
September 15, 2008
Aunt Betty and Bonnie,
I am so sad and extend my sincere wishes and prayers to you on the loss of Uncle Bob. I remember so many fine times staying at your farm and spending time with all of you. He was a wonderful Uncle and will truly be missed. My prayers go out to all of you and now he and is looking down on all of us with Mom and his brothers.
Douglas E Smith Sr
September 15, 2008
To all the Howard Family,
My deepest sympathies to all of you in the passing of the "Sheriff", as he was known and referred to by all of us. He was dedicated to the residents of Tompkins County for years, and respected for it too. He will be missed by all whose life he touched.
robert carlisle
September 15, 2008
yes he was a great person remember him well i lived on enfield dd on old linton farm he was a very fare man you could talk too ann he would listen need more like him god bless you man and take him quickley
Lee Parks
September 13, 2008
To the Howard Family
Betty and Bonnie
We were so sorry to hear of the Sheriff's passing. I and the guys that I worked with at TCSD were very proud to say we worked for Bob Howard and will always remember him. He did so much for the people of Tompkins County. He will be missed. Our prayers are with the Howard Family as you go through this sad time.
Carolyn & Lee Parks
Sharon Dean(Tisdel)
September 13, 2008
Betty and Bonnie my thoughts are with you. I can remember the day Sheriff Howard hired me, seems like it was just yesterday. He must have impacted my life 34 years later, and I am still with the Dept. Because of Sheriff Howard my life is richer and more fulfilling. He sent me on a professional path that I will always be grateful to him for.
Robert Walters
September 13, 2008
My thoughts & prayers are with Bob's family. If it was not for Sheriff Howard I may not have had my extended law enforcement career. Sheriff Howard give me that chance and I will always remember him and the things he taught me. TCSD 1977-1981
Peter meskill
September 13, 2008
Betty and Bonnie on behalf of all the members of the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office, past and present, we convey our deepest sympathy in the passing of Sheriff Howard
Bob Howard was a household name in Tompkins County and was always there when needed.
When I think of the word and title Sheriff, what always first comes to my mind is the name Bob Howard and his likeness in my mind.
We will truly miss him, and all that he meant and what he represented to all of us
Barbara LaDieu
September 13, 2008
To the family of Bob Howard: I am a former Tompkins co Corrections officer who was hired under this wonderful dear sweet man..he was such a dear man to work for and made you feel honored to work for such a legend as he was known to be.I will never forget how he made me feel after I graduated college with my degree and he hired me on.
People loved him and I felt honored to work under his direction..God bless you all in your loss of such a fine family member..Sincerely, Mrs Barbara (Johnson) LaDieu Fort Walton Beach, Fl
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