Obituary of Robert W. Howard Jr.

ROBERT W. HOWARD JR. Loudonville- Robert W. Howard Jr. 77 of Loudonville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's with his family by his side. Born in Schenectady on November 16, 1940, he was the son of the late Robert W. and Mary (McLaughlin) Howard MD. Bob was a 1958 graduate of St. Mary's Academy in Glens Falls and attended Boston College where he graduated in 1962. He was married to Carol A. Caponera on May 18, 1963 and shared a devoted union of 54 years prior to his passing. Bob enlisted in the United States Army graduating from Officer Training School in 1963 and US Army Intelligence School in 1964. He was employed with the Town of Colonie as the Human Resources Director in 1973, eventually retiring on December 31, 1999. Bob was a member of the NYS Public Employers Labor Relations Association as well as the Board of Directors and Former President. He was also Former President and member of the Corporate Committee of Community Advisors with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and camping. He never missed any of his grandchildren's games, concerts, talent shows or any other school events. Bob was always calm, thoughtful and full of wisdom; he had a great sense of humor about him. Although he was taken from us, he was a gift and left a wonderful legacy that will live on in all of us. In addition to his beloved wife Carol, he is survived by his loving children Laura (Peter) Luizzi, Deborah Rizzo and Lisa (Tim) Fiato as well as his 7 cherished grandchildren Bryant, Peter III, Connor and Christian Luizzi, Alexandra and Nicole Rizzo, Nora Rose Fiato and his adored great granddaughter Ella Rose Luizzi. His siblings Ann Morton (Donald MD), Jeffrey Howard, Michael (Mary) Howard as well as his aunt Ellen Leicht and several nieces & nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Margaret Brauer. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday January 9 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. Bob's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Wednesday January 10 at 10:00 am at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Bob's memory to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Upstate Northeastern NY Chapter, 103 Patroon Dr., Guilderland, NY 12084 or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 950 New Loudon Rd, Suite 330, Latham, NY 12110 For directions, information, to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.