David A. Howard

1944 - 2022

David A. Howard

ALLEGANY - David A. Howard, 77, of 3651 Five Mile Road, lost his 4-year courageous battle with cancer. He passed away Sunday (Feb. 20, 2022) at Olean General Hospital, with his wife and family by his side.

Born March 31, 1944, in Olean, he was the son of Arland S. and Elladine Winship Howard. He was married to Nancy M. Brotherton on May 20, 1967. Together they had three children, Lesley, Michelle and Mark. Nancy passed away May 29, 2001. On July 5, 2004, at Christ United Methodist Church in Olean, he married Janet E. Tisdale, who survives.

David was a graduate of Olean High School, Class of 1962, and was a proud Eagle Scout.

Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served active duty until 1966. His basic training was in Biloxi, Miss. He was stationed in Turkey during the Vietnam War, boxed while in the service and finished his active duty in Fort Drum. He was released from active duty at Griffiss Air Force Base. He then served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1968.

He continued his education and received an associate's degree from Jamestown Community College. He worked as a supervisor for various businesses in the area, including the former CF Industries, the former VanDer Horst Corp., Agway, Inc. and Emporium Specialties of Austin, Pa. He then worked as a supervisor for Dresser Rand Co. in Olean until his retirement.

David was raised in the Methodist faith. His parents were faithful members of Christ United Methodist Church, where his father Arland created the large wooden cross made of chestnut that hangs so prominently above the altar. It was done by hand with the use of an adz and an axe.

He was a member of the Allegany American Legion and was a past commander and longtime member of the ritual team. He also was a 3rd degree Mason and member of the former International Order of Odd Fellows in Olean.

He loved to play golf and was active in both the Dresser Rand and St. Bonaventure golf leagues. He was an enthusiastic gun and knife collector and was a member of the Olean Rod and Gun Club, where he was an excellent marksman who loved target shooting. In addition, he loved to fish, play pool and do genealogy research. He and his wife spent a lot of time traveling to cemeteries in search of graves of relatives who served in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well as visiting various battlefields. He loved nature, and he and Janet enjoyed trips to many National Parks.

He leaves behind his wife, Janet; six children, Lesley (Dave) Tweedie of Syracuse, Michelle (Ken) Parris of Allegany, Mark (Jennifer) Howard of Grand Junction, Colo., Tom (Julie Normand) Yudichak of Austin, Texas, Bill (Jamie) Yudichak of Rochester and Michael (Janie) Yudichak of Rochester; 10 grandchildren, Libby, Meggan, David, Jacob, Austin, Owen, Colin, Lexy, Jaxson and Justin; four great-grandchildren, Sofie, Luna, David and Atlas; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

In addition to his wife Nancy of 44 years, he was predeceased by one brother, William Howard in 2006; and one sister, Marilyn Smith in 2012.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 24, 2022) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday (Feb. 25, 2022) in Christ United Methodist Church, Olean. Rev. Chad Sayers, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team.

Memorials may be made to the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team, 4350 NY 417, Allegany, NY 14706.

Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.