Obituary of Howard L. Lewis

LEWIS, Howard L. Age 82 of Breed Hollow Rd., Horseheads, NY, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, January 30, 2016. He was born December 4, 1933, in Kingston, PA to Samuel and Alberta (Rood) Lewis. Surviving is his wife, Barbara (Stanton) Lewis; sons and daughter, Terry (Mike) Rychlewski of Kirkwood, NY, Tom (Sue) Lewis of Hallstead, PA, Tim Lewis of Pittsburg, PA; grandchildren, Chad (Anne) Rychlewski , Megan Rychlewski , Thomas Lewis and Allison Lewis; sister, Marilyn Maxwell of Pinebluff, NC; and beloved canine companion, Tatum. He was predeceased by sister, Charlotte Durfee; and brother, Samuel Lewis. Howard was a proud veteran of the US Army, member and Chaplain of Elmira Heights American Legion, and former member of the Chemung County Color Guard. He was also a member of Hillview United Methodist Church. Howard was also a past member of Lions and Masonic Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and Fassett Grange. In his early career he was a Railroad Engineer with the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. He retired in 1998 from Empire State Development as an Economic Development Specialist. An accomplished musician, Howard was most proud of being the stand up bass player with the Southern Tier Reconciliation Choir. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service in Woodlawn National Cemetery, Elmira, on Friday, February 12, 2016, at 1PM with full military honors accorded. In addition, a gathering of family and friends will begin on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at 10AM in the Hillview United Methodist Church, 109 Hillview Dr., Big Flats, NY, with a celebration of Howard’s life following at 11AM. Those wishing may remember Howard with memorials to Chemung County Humane Society and SPCA 2435 State Rt. 352 Elmira, NY 14903 Condolences and remembrances at www.barberfuneralhome.com