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Howell, George Lowman
Age 82 of Elmira passed away peacefully at his home on November 22, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his wife of 59 years Elizabeth Ann Harkrader Howell; daughter and son-in-law Katherine H. and Thomas L. Roehlke of Elmira; daughter Sarah B. Howell of Seattle, WA; granddaughter Emma K. Roehlke of Boston MA; grandson Benjamin T. Roehlke of Elmira; brother and sister-in-law Fred Ellwyn and Janet Heller Howell of Amesbury, MA; nieces, Elizabeth Lowman Howell of Portland, OR, Mary Trimble Howell Shapiro of Hanover, NH with husband Jeffrey and children, Matthew Heller Shapiro, Samuel Howell Shapiro and Lucas Sander Shapiro; nephew Chester Everts Howell III of Newburyport, MA, and children, Oliver Chou Howell and Sophie Stone Howell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Milton Keene, Jr. and Nina Harkrader of Fairfield, CT, with children Nina Elizabeth Harkrader (John) Meyer of Brooklyn, NY, Milton Keene Harkrader III of Melbourne, FL and Eric Scott Harkrader of Fairfield, CT.
George was born in Elmira August 7, 1933, the son of Chester Everts Howell, Jr. and Georgia Isabel Lowman Howell. His parents and brother, Jack Martin Howell, predeceased him. He attended Hendy Avenue School and Elmira Free Academy and graduated from Mount Hermon School in 1951. He attended Lehigh University, Class of 1955. He was a member of the Eta Chapter of Psi Upsilon at Lehigh University. George served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958.
Following George's military service, George began his 60 years of active service with the family business, F. M. Howell & Company. He was the third generation of the Howell family to lead the company. Under George's stewardship, the company grew from one division to its current three divisions. He was currently serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of F. M. Howell & Company and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Howell Liberatore & Associates, Inc.
George was a respected leader in the paperboard packaging industry, having served on the Board of Directors of two national trade associations, the Paperboard Packaging Council and the National Paperbox Association.
At the time of his death, George was serving as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of Elmira Savings Bank, Trustee Emeritus of Elmira College, as a member of the Board of Directors of The Hilliard Foundation, Southern Tier Economic Growth, Inc., Twin Tiers Economic Development, Inc., and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Historic Elmira, Inc. He was an Honorary Trustee of the Arnot Art Museum and the Chemung County Historical Society. George was also serving as a member of the Executive Committee of the Chemung County Historical Society and a member of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee of the Arnot Health Foundation. He was serving as the Secretary of the Psi Upsilon Association of Elmira and was the Treasurer of Lake Street Presbyterian Church.
Of great importance to George throughout his life was his service to the Elmira community. He spent his life tirelessly promoting and supporting Elmira, New York. George's contributions to the Elmira community are countless. He spent the last several years dedicated to historic preservation and founded Historic Elmira, Inc. in 2007.
George was currently serving on the Trustee Council of the Preservation League of New York State and as a member of the Technical Services Committee.
During George's years of professional and volunteer service, he was awarded the Key to the City of Elmira in 1993, the 2000 ARTS Partnership Award from the ARTS of the Southern Fingers Lakes, the 2003 Robert Gair Award from the Paperboard Packaging Council, the 2008 Chemung County Chamber of Commerce Mary E. Kennedy Community Builder Award, the 2009 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Five Rivers Council Boy Scouts of America, the 2013 United Way Errol Shand Award for Volunteer Service, and the 2013 Psi Upsilon Philanthropist Award.
George grew up spending his summers at Crosby Point on Keuka Lake. He was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed the beauty of the Adirondacks, specifically, the Adirondack League Club and Little Moose Lake. George enjoyed his longtime association with Fur, Fin, and Feathers. In addition, he had a passion for restoring antique cars and wooden boats. George spent recent summers on the M/V Dowager, his 1931 Matthews classic wooden boat on Cayuga Lake.
The family wishes to thank all of the current and retired employees of F. M. Howell & Company and Howell Liberatore & Associates, Inc. for their dedication and loyalty to George. Work was his passion. He set an example for his employees and all who knew him by demonstrating an extraordinary work ethic.
Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Lake Street Presbyterian Church, 300 Lake Street, Elmira, with the Rev. Dr. William Lutz officiating. Burial will follow in Ashland Cemetery, Wellsburg. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember George may do so with a donation to Lake Street Presbyterian Church or the Chemung County Historical Society, 415 E. Water Street, Elmira NY 14901.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
It has been 4 long years without George to guide and encourage employees with his words of wisdom and kindness. You are truly missed. Thinking of you and praying for family always.
Terri Kelly
Coworker
November 17, 2019
Vickie Dickerson
November 29, 2015
Elmira Area Art Society wished to add their condolences to the family of George Howell. He has supported our efforts to enrich the community he loved with "home grown" art.
Thank you,George
Jerry Lindsay
November 27, 2015
To the Howell family,
On behalf of all of us at Apex Graphics, we were sorry to learn of Mr. Howell's passing. May the love of family and friends, as well as that of your community comfort you during these difficult days. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Stephanie Magill
November 26, 2015
In life , you sometimes cross paths with people that have a profound effect on you . George was one of those cherished individuals for me . He never wavered in his beliefs , his ethics , his morals . He gave us all an example of what we should all aspire to be . Rest in peace Mr Howell , you gave us a roadmap of life to follow .
John Sharp
November 25, 2015
Liz and Katherine may the Love and Peace of the Lord surround you during this most difficult time.
Rick Lisano
November 25, 2015
Dear Howell Family,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So many lovely childhood memories.
Mebbie Bradley-Van Orman
November 25, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family during this difficult time.
Patsy Vedder
November 24, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Howell family. My first job was at Howells after I graduated high school. I had the opportunity to be part of the college student program, where I had a job waiting for me when I was home on breaks and over the summer. Having the opportunity to be part of that program made getting through college much easier. Not many students know they have a job that pays good, with good hours waiting for them at home. Mr. Howell I thank you for that opportunity.
Crystal Bolt
November 24, 2015
I met George at my 1st Board Meeting of the National Paperbox Association.
New, young, and seated next to George, he promptly instructed me to listen & learn something!
Slightly intimidating with his stern look and bow tie, but then I got to know him! Very smart, kind and generous- A true Gentleman.
He was an Industry stalwart who garnered enormous respect and I feel privileged to have known the man!
My thoughts and prayers go to Katherine, Tom and the entire family.
Steven Felici
November 24, 2015
Mr. Howell was a gentleman and will be sorely missed by our community.
Marty Fennell
November 24, 2015
To the Howell Family.
My heart is heavy with sadness at the loss of George Howell. He was a wonderful person and great company leader who truly cared about his employees. He is already missed but his legacy lives on.
Karen Warner
November 24, 2015
Another Elmira icon, gone too soon. Love sent to his strong and beautiful family. He will be missed.
The Karee Family
November 24, 2015
George Howell will be remembered as a great man and a true leader in this community. He has done so much to make Elmira a great place to live. Prayers to his family.
Steve Eubanks
November 24, 2015
Even though my time with Howell Marketing Services has been brief, I was fortunate enough to work with George on several occasions. I have heard wonderful and warm stories of his kindness to both Howell employees and the town of Elmira at large; truly inspirational. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. May his memory be a blessing.
Marc Chester
November 24, 2015
Tammy Bollen
November 24, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family today and always.George was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to work with him.When I started working in the office around 7 years ago he welcomed me by telling me "you are like a ray of sunshine" it made my day. George also called me Judy referring to Judy Garland, he thought i resembled her a bit. I will miss him dearly so until we meet again rest in heavenly peace my friend.
Tammy Bollen
November 24, 2015
It was my pleasure to work with George on the Elmira College Board of Trustees. He was one of our most beloved and respected members. George, you will be forever missed by all of us. God bless you and your family
Bob Basel
November 24, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. George was a great man he was very good to me for the eighteen years that I worked for him. He will be greatly missed. RIP George
Eileen Curren
November 24, 2015
My prayers and condolences to the family. George Howell always took the time to talk to me when I was working construction on his building. I wasn't an employee of his but he made me feel I was an important part of his business.
Jerry Lindblad
November 24, 2015
Mr. Howell made a point of talking to the construction crew when they were working on his building. Always friendly always interested in what you had to say.
Lindblad
November 24, 2015
My prayers go out to the family. It has been an honor to work for George for over 30 years. On occasion, we would have a non-work-related conversation, and I realized he had a good sense of humor! He was also one of only a few people to call me "Mikey"...He will be missed.
Mike and Cynthia Paliotta
November 24, 2015
Our condolences to the Howell family. George would search you out on your birthday, stop to chat or do a bit of "picking". He will be missed
Don & Mary Paterson
November 24, 2015
George's wisdom and humor came from the heart, and with a great understanding of history, legacy, and compassion for your fellow man.
What is remembered, lives.
Nathan and Mary Buckand
November 23, 2015
George was a wonderful man. He will truly be missed. My blessings to the family
Becky Ogden
November 23, 2015
George (Dad) you were a wonderful person. I will surely miss you coming to fifth st. May you rest in peace. And for the family you will be in my heart through this sad time. Love lueann skelly
November 23, 2015
The loss of such an extraordinary man will be felt by all who knew him Thank you George for your words of encouragement and wisdom may each of us recall many happy memories over the years. May you rest in peace.
Mr & Mrs Kelly
November 23, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget the first time I met George. It was my first week working at Howell Packaging. I was sitting alone in the lunch area. This gentleman walked up to me and introduced himself as George Howell. I was so impressed that a man in his position noticed a new face and took the time to meet him. First impressions remained true. It was an honor to know and work for George. He will be truly missed.
Randy Reynolds
November 23, 2015
George was outstanding person. I'll always remember him coming to Hatch Street facility wishing employees happy birthdays. Always had smile and of course his bow tie.
sue deitrick
November 23, 2015
Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family
Charlene VanNoy
November 23, 2015
George was a great man , he would always take a few minutes to say hello, and never would forget to wish you a Happy Birthday !! If you were off on your birthday he would hunt you down the next day or week until he found you to wish you one. A very special and kind man , it was a great honor to work for him! He will be truly missed ! Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family.
Theresa Holden
November 23, 2015
I am sorry for your loss.He will truly be missed. God Bless.
Leo Newell
November 23, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family during this difficult time.
Colleen Dyer River Valley Paper
November 23, 2015
George was a kind man who supported the community in many ways. He will be missed. Our condolences to the family.
~the Nagles, Stephen and Susan
November 23, 2015
George was a true blessing of Lake Street Presbyterian Church, and we thank him and his family for all that they had done over the years
Our deepest prayers go out to his family.
We will miss you.
Andrew & Joanne Foster
November 23, 2015
Mr. Howell will not only be greatly missed in his active involvement in F.M. Howell and Co., but also within the community of Elmira, NY. His dedication to the local area was something of a bygone era. Personally, I have had the honor of briefly meeting and talking with him on a number of occasions. Each time he was friendly and open. As many have stated, a true gentlemen. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. The local area has definitely lost one of its great pillars.
Justin Hickey
November 23, 2015
I will miss his stories he told at the Christmas lunch, his whistling of a tune as he walked up the hall & the time he took with each person when something was going on with their life (from a birthday wish to the loss of a loved one). He was truly Mr. Elmira & this area will miss him! Thank you for the wonderful life I have had from working at F.M. Howell & Co.
Diane Krause
November 23, 2015
Katherine, Tom and Family- My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. George was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. RIP George.
Laurie (VonHendy) Kreitzer
November 23, 2015
My prayers go out to the Howell family and employees. George was one of my heroes and a mentor to me in business. It was always one of my great pleasures in life to spend some time with him.
Nick George
November 23, 2015
George Howell was a true gentleman. It was an honor and a pleasure to work for him and with him. He was a great American renaissance man. The city of Elmira has lost one of its best. Rest in peace George.
Albert Naar
November 23, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Winnie Watts
November 23, 2015
Our Prayers and Condolences go out to the Howell Family. What I like about working for Mr. Howell and Howell Company. He was straight forward to the employees as to where the company stood always Kept them informed.Always showed how he appreciated the loyalty and gratitude to all employees for the work they did and keep the company thriving in today's economy.He avoided layoff regardless of how slow things got. With this closing statement I wish to Thank Mr. Howell and Howell Company for keeping me employed for 42 yrs with no fear of layoffs or company closing. May you rest Peacefully
Howard Landmesser
November 23, 2015
Remembering the little things, Mr Howell would come to your work sight on your birthday, and shake your hand and wish a happy birthday. A true gentleman.
Ed Seelye
November 23, 2015
Mr Howell was a very nice man. Will be missed by many.
Rebecca sardo
November 23, 2015
Howell Family,
A good, honorable and noble man has left us. Do savor your cherished and loving memories and may he rest in peace.
My most sincere condolences,
Newt
Newton Pendleton
November 23, 2015
My prayers go out to all of the family. George was a very good man and a good boss. He could always make you laugh. He will be missed by many. God bless.
Polly Narosky
November 23, 2015
We are very sad to hear of George's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Tom & Patti Beatty
November 23, 2015
I will miss seeing Mr.Howell drive by home on Crane Rd. daily. RIP Mr. Howell.
Paul Larrabee
November 23, 2015
Prayers and condolences to the Howell family. I was a Psi U fraternity brother with George at Lehigh. George was special. John Costello
November 23, 2015
George was a true gentleman, a wonderful boss and will be truly be missed by so many. My thoughts go out to his family and friends as well as the employees of FM Howell.
Crystal Bailey
November 23, 2015
George was a great man he always would say hello. He would find you at one of the plant's and wish you a happy birthday.
Brian Smith
November 23, 2015
Mr Howell was a lovely man. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.
John Marczyk
November 23, 2015
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