Richard D. Howell

Richard "Dick" Duane Howell, 79, of Greene, NY passed away December 1, 2025 surrounded by his family and friends. He was born December 12, 1945 in Chenango Forks, NY to the late Duane and Hattie Howell.  He was predeceased by his siblings, Robert, Owen, George and Wilma (Moore) Perry, as well as his father and mother-in-law, Percy and Anna Warren; brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Sharon Drake; sister-in-laws, Patricia, and Roberta (Griffis) Warren. Dick married Janice Warren on August 12, 1967.  It was love at first sight, leading to a 58 year adventure. Dick and Jan had three children, Christopher (Tammie) Howell, Timothy (Shelly) Howell and Betsy (Michael) Salinetti.  Being the amazing family man he was, Grandpa Dick was a one of a kind Grandfather to Ashley (Tim) Fikes-Gell, Braxton (Nichole) Howell, Owen (Lacey) Howell, Charlie and Nicolas Salinetti.  He loved his family more than anything and often sat back watching and reflecting on things going on around him.  Dick always had a special relationship with his brother and sister-in-laws, and their children. His surviving sister-in-laws Lorrie Springsteen and Kathy Walser were special to him, and he had fond memories of past brother-in-laws Gary Griffis and Jim Springsteen.  He was a favorite "Uncle Dick" to Michael (Meghan) Griffis, Joseph (Melody) Griffis, McKenzi MacDowall, Terry (Cate) Frobel, Natalie Frobel, Melinda (Dan) Escobedo, Rylee and Bella Escobedo, Todd, Brandon and Dakota Walser, Renee LeBlanc, Brittney Wilson, Sydney Wilson, and Joe (Gema) Roehrick.  Special friends, Faye and the late Tom Ribble, Jim and Lynn Ruth and Anthony and Susan Scalici. Dick graduated from Susquehanna Valley High School in 1964.  While there he served as the Team Manager for the Football and Baseball teams, and was later inducted into the "Wall of Fame" as a Contributor Student Manager.  Dick continued his education at Eastern New Mexico University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education.  While there he served as the Baseball manager, and was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.  He later earned his Masters Degree from SUNY Oneonta. Dick began his 31 year teaching career at Bakersfield, CA City School District in 1969 and one year later moved back to NY where he taught sixth grade and then settled into fourth grade at Greene Central School.  During his years as an educator, "Mr. Howell" touched the lives of hundreds of students.  He became a favorite teacher to many and formed relationships that have impacted some of his students for a lifetime.  Dick coached Cross Country for 27 years, as well as junior high wrestling for a few.  To this day, many former athletes still comment on what an effect he had on them. Dick was an Outdoorsman. He loved nothing more than spending time outside taking in nature or working on projects.  If there wasn't something to be done, Dick would create a project to have a project!  Weekends and holidays were spent camping with family, boating on Cayuga Lake, fishing and hunting.  Dick's favorite place was the cabin in the Adirondacks where he bonded with family and friends. He especially enjoyed time with Larry and Liz Chandler.  Dick never hesitated to share his special place with others, often inviting people to enjoy time at the cabin with him.  Dick was a hard working provider for his family. His non-stop attitude gave him the drive to get up and go every day.  Whether it was tending to the animals, making maple syrup, bailing hay with Floyd Palmiter, cutting wood with Jim Ruth or riding for hours on those lawn mowers, a calm smile was always on his face.  Outdoors was his peaceful place. When it was break time, Dick and Jan would travel to Lake Royale in NC to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine.  It was there where they gathered with old friends Tom and Faye Ribble and Milt and Linda Georgia as well as new friends.  Dick's magnetic personality led him to building many new friendships everywhere he went.  He also looked forward to their annual three week vacation in Islamorada, FL for sunshine and beach air.  Dick's excitement for the annual trip started months in advance. When hanging closer to home, Dick was always active within the community.  He was an honorary life member of the Greene Rod and Gun Club where he assisted with founding their scholarship program.  He was "Lion of the Year" as a member of the Greene Lions Club.  He was a dedicated honorary life member of Lake Ludlow where he assisted with multiple projects including Grass Carp Control and building a lighthouse.  That was Dick, a kind man with a beautiful soul dedicated to putting himself out there to help others. Most recently,  he looked forward to his Tuesday morning breakfasts with his Ludlow Family, and coffee talk with the boys at Jim Hollenbeck’s shop.  He was thankful for those relationships. Today, he is smiling down from heaven while sitting in a rocking chair;  with his dogs Skeeter and Benson by his side, he is admiring the legacy he has left behind.  He is there telling us all to stop and breathe in the fresh air, admire the sunsets, and enjoy the moment. Rest in peace husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, coach and mentor.  Until next time "Dickie Boy". Friends of the family may call from 6:30pm to 9:00pm Saturday, December 6 at Root Funeral Home, 23 N. Chenango St, Greene, NY 13778. A private graveside service will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Greene Rod and Gun Club Scholarship Fund or the Greene Lion's Club Park Fund, PO Box 204, Greene, NY 13778. Arrangements are by Root Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to the family at www.rootfh.com.

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