William J. Howard

Pine Plains, NY - William J. "Bill" Howard, 84, a resident for the past twelve years and formerly of Kingston passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at The Baptist Home at Brookmeade in Rhinebeck, NY.

He was born on November 26, 1926 in Kingston, NY the son of the late James R. and Margaret E. (Long) Howard.

Mr. Howard worked in the Senate House and Museum in Kingston, NY. He new more about the Senate House and Museum than the curators did having worked there for twenty some years.

His family meant the world to him; his nieces and nephews were amazed that he could recite the fifty states backwards.

He was an avid reader covering at least three newspapers daily. He also would love to talk politics but he was an opinionated democrat. Over the years he was very generous to the SPCA and was an avid sports fan for the Jets, Knicks and Mets.

Survivors include a sister, Isabel Blakney of Pine Plains, NY; several nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, James E. Howard.

Calling hours are 1 to 5 pm Sunday, January 30, 2011 at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home South Main St. Pine Plains, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am Monday, January 31, from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kingston, NY with Fr. Edmund M. Burke officiating.

Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Kingston.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested to the Dutchess County SPCA 612 Violet Ave Hyde Park, NY 12538. or Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers PO Box 304 Maryknoll, NY 10545.

---