Obituary of Dennis J. Howard

It is with profound sadness, that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved “Pop”, Dennis John Howard, 69, on November 22, 2022.

Dennis was born in Kingston, NY, on June 21, 1953, to the late Joan and Jim Howard.  After graduating from Kingston High School, Dennis attended Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science, in Syracuse, NY.  He graduated in 1973 and went on to have a 30-year career in funeral service.  He began in Kingston, before moving to the tri-state area, where he spent many years working for Gray-Parker Funeral Home, in Port Jarvis.   While working and living there he met the love of his life Louise.  

Together they relocated to Rhinebeck, NY, where he spent many years managing White Funeral Home.  He eventually moved and worked in Saratoga Springs where he finished his career.  He continued to work for Quad Graphics for many more years, retiring 5 years ago. 

Dennis loved his gardening and was always proud of his stunning Iris gardens.   They honestly could have won countless awards.  He loved reading, photography, his hammock, jack and coke, the Jets, Grateful Dead, Aruba, his “Momo” and most of all his family.  Dennis was the best “Poppy” to his granddaughter, Melena, who he adored.  He was a kind, funny, caring person who was loved by all who knew him, and he was always willing to help anyone who needed it.  He enjoyed mowing everyone’s lawn, hanging all the Christmas lights and buried all his beloved animals in handmade caskets, fitting just right.  He would do anything that was asked of him, and his sudden passing has left us heartbroken. 

His career choice was so fitting, he was the kind of person families needed most, during the most difficult time in their lives.  He helped families grieve their loved ones and he was truly the best. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Louise Howard of Saratoga; sisters Cathy and Christine Howard, of Kingston, NY; stepdaughter, Dana DelPriore, of Vero Beach, Florida; granddaughter, Melena (Stratos) Koutroumpakis, of Houston Texas; fur baby, Sammy, and many extended family members, that include cousins, brothers and sister in laws and many friends.

In respect to his wishes, funeral services will be private.  Arrangements are being handled by the Flynn Bros, Inc. Funeral Home, Schuylerville, NY.  Online condolences and messages to the family may be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com

For those who would like to honor and remember Dennis, in respect to his love of gardening, please plant a tree or flowers in his memory.  Every time you see them bloom, you will be reminded of the beautiful person he truly was, gone to soon.