William C. Howe Jr.

A Stedman resident since 1956, he was born Nov. 12, 1945, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Carmelia MacDowell Howe and the late William C. Howe Sr.

Bill was a 1964 graduate of Chautauqua Central School and a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Vietnam in 1966- 67. He was a title searcher at the Chautauqua County Court house for 44 years. He always enjoyed his work, being the first to arrive and the last to leave each day. He retired in December 2015.

Bill looked forward to all his children’s sporting events and concerts. He coached summer soccer and assisted with Little League and Cub Scouts. He was always ready to play a round of golf or travel to historical places. He enjoyed doing small engine repairs for himself and others, reading for hours and especially loved spending time with his family.

Bill was a loving husband and best friend to his wife of 51 years, Beckie Wood Howe, whom he married Sept. 26, 1967; a proud father of three amazing children: Kara (Richard) Lyon of Panama, Lisa (Craig) Sundlov of Ashville and Brad (Amy) Howe of Mayville; grandfather of four terrific grandchildren: Mazie and Zack Britton of Frewsburg, Taylor Howe of Mayville and Richie Lyon of Panama; great-grandfather of two adorable great-granddaughters: Addison Britton and McKenna Stahl of Frewsburg. Also surviving him are his mother; and a sister, Elizabeth Montagna, of Lakewood.

In addition to his father, Bill is preceded in death by his loving grandmother, Elizabeth MacDowell; a sister, Barbara Howe; and a brother, Carl “Corky” Howe.

At Bill’s request, there will be no visitation hours. A private family grave site service will be held at the North Harmony Cemetery at the family’s convenience.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Ashville Fire Department, 5338 Stow Road, Ashville, NY 14710, who saved his life 25 years ago and have done emergency transports for Bill during the past year.

Arrangements are by the Spitzer Funeral Home, Sherman, N.Y.