Obituaries/Viewings
Robert V. Howard | 80
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Robert V. Howard, 80, of 110 Wehler Road, St. Marys, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Snyder Memorial Health Care Center in Marienville, after an illness of the past year.
Bob was born May 3, 1943, in Kane, son of the late Leonard and Wilna Hitchcock Howard. He was a graduate of Kane High School, Class of 1961, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, earning his Metallurgy Degree, and continued his studies with Penn State University.
Bob was instrumental in the growth of the powdered metal industry in the region. In 1972, he founded Exotic Metals and served as President until the early 1990s. He earned the Distinguished Service to Powdered Metallurgy by the Powdered Metal Industry Federation in 2005.
Bob served multiple terms as mayor for both the Borough of Ridgway and the City of St. Marys. Among other accomplishments, Bob led the effort to have the Boot Jack by-pass built after numerous tractor trailer accidents in Ridgway. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Elk County Underwater Recovery and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed both fishing and hunting, as well as an avid Penn State University football fan.
On May 28, 1989, in Hawaii, Bob married Margaret A. “Peggy” Jackson, who survives. They were blessed to share 34 years of marriage.
He is also survived by his son, Dean S. Howard (Chrissy) of Greensburg; three step-daughters: Jennifer Myers (Dave) of Union City, Amy Provenzo (Curt) of Fairport, NY, and Anne Jackson (Shawn Anthony) of St. Marys; 10 grandchildren: Maggie Howard, Lauren Howard, Cameron Howard, Alec Myers, Brooke Myers, Claire Provenzo, Jackson Provenzo, Michael Provenzo, Carter Redmond, and Landyn Anthony; one great-grandson, Sullivan Howard; two nephews; and by two sisters-in-law: Mary Kay Votano of Houston, TX and Betsy Olmstead of Smethport.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his son, Donald Howard, and by his brother, Fred Howard.
A funeral service will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 10:30 AM, with the Rev. Ann Foor officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Benezette.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Saturday morning, from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Snyder Memorial Health Care Center, 156 Snyder Memorial Road, Marienville, PA 16239.
Events
Bob would come into Dollar General when I worked there and buy apple juice for his grand son. He was always a kind and caring man. We had a few quick talks. He was the perfect man, there won’t be another person so very nice as he was.
Peggy and family, my deepest condolences for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in time in the coming days. You are in my prayers.
Sending my sympathies to you Margaret, and your family.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bob was a kind thoughtful man and I know he will missed by you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Rest in Peace Robert. Prayers to Bob’s family.
Peg and family, I am so, so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a kind, gentle man and I know he will be missed by you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers and do anything you need. Love you so much.
I was a classmate and friend of Donald’s (RHS – Class of 1980). Donnie is missed. The Howard’s took me to my first Penn State Football Game at Beaver Stadium in 1976. That sparked a lifelong passion for Nittany Lion Football, especially, the amazing Tailgating experience they showed me. RIP, Sir. Thank you. Deepest Condolences to the Family.
Bob was an excellent manager when I worked at Exotic Metals in the 1980’s. He was always helpful to me. Went hunting with him behind the powder metal plant with other Exotic Metals employees during deer season. He was a good man.
Bob was a wonderful man. He treated all his employees at Exotic with equality and respect . I feel honored to have known him and work for him. I always said his employees would have worked twice the hours for half the pay, that was how much they respected him and it showed in the success of Exotic Metals. My thoughts and prayers for Peggy and his family. RIP Bob.
Bob was a good guy. He treated his people at Exotic Metals very good. I’m glad I got to know him when I first started in the workforce and to truly see how people are to be treated in a work environment. Thoughts and prayers to Bob’s family.