Stephen M. Howard

Dateline: Clifton Park, NY
Stephen Mather Howard, known to all as Steve, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Schuyler Ridge Residential Health Care Center in Clifton Park, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 83 years old.
Born on October 4, 1941, in Darien, CT, Steve was the son of the late Marguerite Baur and Clifford Howard. He graduated from Darien High School and went on to pursue his passion for learning at Cornell University, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. Steve's time at Cornell shaped him into the person he became: a hardworking, dedicated and kind-hearted individual. He was a proud member of Cornell's chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, a brotherhood that not only uplifted him but also gave him a sense of purpose and meaning with long-lasting friendships throughout his life. He later continued his academic journey at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he earned an MBA.
Steve's professional life was marked by his work in the plastics industry, including a significant tenure with LyondellBasell, Delaware. He was deeply respected for his contributions to his field and his strong work ethic.
Steve was a true one-of-a-kind individual who was generous to a fault. He had a deep love for the National Parks and took great pride in his ancestral connection to Stephen Mather, the first Director of the National Park Conservation Association. Steve's love for the outdoors led him to hike countless trails, paddle many waterways, bicycle many miles, and snowshoe through state parks with a close-knit group of dear friends and family. His sense of humor, particularly his penchant for clever (and sometimes corny) dad jokes, brought joy to all who knew him.
Above all, Steve's love for his family was immeasurable. He was a private man, but his dependability, swift wit, and steadfast support were felt by all who were close to him.
Steve is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate of over 20 years, Liane (Schlake) Howard; his children, Anne Bachner and spouse, Trey; Elizabeth Stephenson and spouse, Bill; Erich Barney and spouse, Kris; Kurt Barney and spouse, Laura; and his cherished grandchildren, Nathan, Daniel, Lauren, Ryan, David, Jack, and Grayson. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Jeffrey Stowell and spouse Nicole, Jason Stowell and spouse, Liz, as well as five step-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY. A Memorial Service will follow at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Steve's memory to Phi Sigma Kappa, Gamma Chapter at Cornell, 702 University Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850, alumnirecords@cornellphisig.org. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen, please visit our floral store.