Marjorie F. (Barden) Boyles (1936 – 2023)

HUDSON—Marjorie F. Boyles, 96, of Ghent passed peacefully Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Columbia Memorial Health.

She was born September 23, 1926 in Spencertown to George and Mary (Schraeder) Barden.

She was the youngest of eight children and her mother died when she was only five-months-old. Her stepmother, Lucy entered her life shortly thereafter and raised her and her siblings as if they were her own.

She often talked fondly of her upbringing in Spencertown and her home was a hub for all of the local children.

She was a talented seamstress and could make or design anything with fabric. She enjoyed camping, wood fires and traveling. She was fiercely independent and worked until just recently. She was a generous soul with a soft touch and would help anyone in need.

She married Delbert Boyles, Sr., in 1946, he predeceased her in 2015.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory: five grieving sons and a daughter, Thomas Boyles (Marsha) of Old Saybrook, CT, Sally Ingles (Harry) of Philmont, Delbert Boyles, Jr. (Lisa) of Hillsdale, Robert Boyles (Diane) of Philmont, Scott Boyles (Janet) of Hillsdale and Ron Boyles (Judy) of Claverack. She also leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family members. She also opened her heart and home to 42 foster children in her lifetime.

A Celebration of Life to be held in the spring will be announced.

In lieu of flowers consider donating to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534 or Everlasting Hope Animal Rescue, 180 Prach Road, Hillsdale 12529. Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Copake. To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net.

Robert Warrington (1947 – 2023)

HALLANDALE, FL—Robert “Bob” Warrington, a superb three-sport athlete, devoted family-man and a Vietnam-era veteran of the U.S. Navy’s elite Ceremonial Guard, died February 23 in Hallandale, Florida. He was 75 years old.

According to his family, he succumbed to cancer, a disease he battled for 18 years. They said: “If anyone had a will to live, it was Bob. During that time, he was always positive and enjoyed his life to the fullest.” He was a symbol of strength and resiliency to his family, friends and former sports’ competitors.

He was a distinguished alumnus of Valatie’s Ichabod Crane High School Class of 1965. He was a pivitol player on Coach Gordy Van Buren’s championship basketball teams during Ichabod’s halcyon days from 1963 to ‘65. He was a consummate team player whose individual performances on defense and offense shone brightly in Ichabod’s perennial winning seasons. In his mid-20s, he starred in semi-pro football for the Empire League’s Massena Warriors while working in the North Country, and later with the local Twin-County Vikings. He also competed in the Empire State games in Olympic-style weight-lifting and discus and shotput from his 20s to his mid-50s and was a consistent medal winner. He also coached young kids from diverse county schools in multiple sports.

He was an honorably discharged, proud member of the Navy’s Ceremonial Guard who participate in Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials. In addition, the Navy Ceremonial Guard serves as the funeral escort and conducts all services for Navy personnel buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He had a tattoo on his leg commemorating the 1,500 men and women he honored at their funerals and he often spoke about his Vietnam-era role with great reverence. Three months ago, and on his annual trip south from his Niverville home, he and his wife, Patricia stopped in Washington, D.C., to pay their respects to the fallen. The fallen now include among their hallowed ranks, this proud Columbia County patriot.

He was born June 23, 1947 in Portland, Maine, to George Warrington and Delica Ouellette Warrington, who predeceased him.

He is survived by: his wife, Patricia Warrington; sister, Maryjane Stillman; children, Robert Warrington, Jr., (Emily), Craig Warrington, Kelly Yates (Gary), Paul Jay Smith (Renee), Shain Smith (Becky); and grandchildren, Mitchell Warrington, Jesse Warrington, Ava Warrington, Jayden Smith (Alaina) and Wesley Smith.

He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Jim Stillman and sister, Kathy Rosbrook (Richard).

A service for the family will be held at a later date. Donations in Mr. Warrington’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to the Veterans Administration Hospitals.

Arrangements are with the Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham. Send online condolences at wenkfuneralhome.com.

Linda J. Dias (1963 – 2023)

ANCRAM—Linda Jeanne Dias of Ancram died peacefully at home March 3, 2023.

Born Linda Jeanne Gavner October 17, 1963 in Kingston, she is the daughter of Joseph and Roberta Gavner.

She graduated from Saugerties High School in 1981 where she was active in school sports and cheerleading. She proudly played in Saugerties Little League and the Saugerties Athletic Association Women’s Division of Softball with her father as her coach. These early years also provided her with a strong spiritual grounding in the Catholic faith that remained with her for her whole life.

She married John Valenchis in 1991. They divorced in 2000, but remained good friends. She received an associate’s degree from SUNY Ulster and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. Her career began with the Ulster County Department of Social Services. After serving in several different positions, she retired in 2019 from OPWDD of Dutchess County as the business officer.

In 2004, she married Thomas Dias and was welcomed to the family by their two daughters, Michelle Dugal and Christina Wang. She was a beloved mother and grandmother and treasured her time with her grandchildren and her nieces and nephews. She was active in church and community and was a member of the Ancram Fire Company Auxiliary, Saint Mary’s Church and Our Lady of Hope Church. She loved to bake and garden, and enjoyed her beautiful home in Ancram, where she could often be found outside, appreciating nature and enjoying time with her husband.

She was a treasure to the people in her life. She was supportive to friends and family and was known for being someone who could encourage people even in the most difficult times. She didn’t ignore the hard places in life, many of which she had lived through herself, and was able to use those experiences to remind others that newness always lies on the other side of suffering. Meditation and yoga were both a big part of her life, grounding her after retirement, and through her final days.

She is survived by: her husband, Thomas Dias; parents, Joseph and Roberta Gavner; siblings, Sharon Garde, Joanne (Doug) Keim, David (Nikki) Gavner and Dwayne Gavner; daughters, sons, and their spouses Dominic and Kim Dias, Erik and Marcy Dias, Kyle Dias and Orly Pinchas, Michelle and Dan Dugal, and Christina and John Wang; her grandchildren, Ethan Dias, Kayden Dias, Nadira Dias, Jacob Dias, Gabriel Dias, Grant Dias, Elias Wang, Kieran Dugal, Caitlin Wang, and Lochlan Dugal; great-granddaughter, Juliet; nieces and nephews, Andrea Keim, Matthew Keim, Kathryn Garde, Jacob Gavner, Colin Gavner, Abrianna Gavner, Madisen Gavner, and Charlize Gavner. She is also survived by her former husband, John Valenchis, and her childhood friends, Jennie Martin Edwards and Kelly Martin Migacz.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Peck & Peck Funeral Home, 8063 Route 22, Copake from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed immediately by a service from 1 to 2 p.m. The family invites family and friends to the Ancram Firehouse after the service for a meal, refreshments and time to gather together to celebrate Mrs. Dias.

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ancram Fire Company in her memory, P.O. Box 8, Ancram 12502.

Richard J. Dorsey (1927 – 2023)

OLD CHATHAM—Richard “Dick” Jones Dorsey, 95, of Old Chatham passed away March 4, 2023 at home with his beloved family by his side after a brief illness.

He was born December 30, 1927 in Flushing to Daniel A. and Edna C. Jones Dorsey. He graduated from Great Neck High School in 1945 where he met his future wife, Patricia Augusta Craig. He attended Harvard University on a full scholarship and graduated with honors in physics in 1949. He then earned a law degree from the University of Michigan in 1952.

Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a communications officer with the Seventh Fleet in the Pacific during the Korean War. In 1954, he returned to the U.S. to marry Patricia Craig and attend officer school in Newport, RI. During his final year of service, with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, their first child, a daughter, was born at the naval base in Newport, RI, in 1955.

In 1957, the young family moved to Rome, NY, where he was an attorney in private practice. In 1963, they moved to Albany where he worked in the New York State Attorney General’s Office. He held several positions there and spent many years as an assistant attorney general, arguing cases before the Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court. During this time the family grew to six children with the addition of three sons and two more daughters.

Upon “retirement” in 1990, he set up his own law practice in Valatie, finally retiring for good in 2019 at the age of 91.

The couple bought an abandoned 200-year-old farmhouse in Malden Bridge in 1969. Over the decades they restored it, and in 1986 moved there permanently. The farm was a joy-filled gathering place for generations of their extended family. He loved visits from family and grandchildren and enjoyed showing them his many hobbies and projects. He was a warm, friendly person whose steady, positive influence was cherished by all.

Mr. Dorsey had a strong passion for the history of Columbia County. He published a series of books about northern county hamlets and became a fixture for monthly local history articles in the Chatham Press. In 2017 he was named historian of the Town of Chatham.

He was very active in the Catholic Church. He served on the Board of Directors for the Catholic Charities of Columbia-Greene Counties, as a lawyer for the Knights of Columbus, and taught religious education at local churches, including St. John the Baptist in Valatie.

He was a long-time member of the Old Chatham Hunt Club, served on the boards of the Riders Mills Schoolhouse historic site and the Malden Bridge Community Center, and participated in community life in numerous other ways.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Paul C. Dorsey, as well as his brother, James L. Dorsey.

He is survived by: his wife of more than 68 years, Patricia A. Dorsey; children, Mary D. Brewster (Robert) of Warwick, RI; Richard F. Dorsey (Cheryl) of Henrico, VA; Susanne M. Opalka (William) of Old Chatham; John J. Dorsey (Linda) of St. Charles, MO; Paul’s widow Martha J. Dorsey of Hampstead, NH; and Ann D. Cole (Richard) of Columbia, SC; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several step-great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie, Friday, March 10, at 12:30 p.m. with the Rev. Gary Gelfenbein officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Albany. Visitation will be held at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, Thursday, March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice Foundation and the Catholic Churches of Northern Columbia County.

Elma Altomer (1929 – 2023)

STUYVESANT—Elma “Dolly” Altomer of Stuyvesant passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023 after a brief illness. She was born July 24, 1929 in Sharon, CT.

She now joins her husband, John Altomer in eternal life where they are no doubt, reunited with their beloved pups, Duffy, Sassy and Misty.

Mrs. Altomer worked for years as a talented seamstress and eventually retired to spend time in her prized log cabin on their picturesque acres in Columbia County. There she thoroughly enjoyed gardening, baking and feeding her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Folklore has it, that she made the best pizza outside of Italy.

She is survived by: her three children who took great care of her in her final days, Diana (Morelock), John “Jack” Altomer and Steven Altomer; adored son-in-law, Peter Morelock; daughter-in-law, Lucretia “Bunny” Altomer; seven grandchildren, all of whom traipsed in and out of the farm house while growing up in search of forbidden snacks and quick visits before racing off to the fields, Peter (Jamie) Morelock, Karin Spencer, Michael Altomer, Marisa Altomer, Carrie Ann Kment, Cherie (Vincent) Marasco, Stephanie Altomer; cherished grandson-in-law, Eric Moran and 10 great- grandchildren, Spencer Moran, Mckennzi Sapcoe, Vincent Marasco, Ryan Altomer, Mia Mulch, Mollie Mulch, Emily Altomer, Isabella Kment, Lilliana Marasco and Nicholas Kment; one sister, Patricia Van Wagner.

She was predeceased by: her father, Walter Strang; mother and stepfather, Mary and Harrison Pultz; brothers, Raymond, Robert, James and Daryl Strang and sister, Geraldine Strang.

Services will be held Monday, March 13, noon at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie. Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the service. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Stuyvesant Falls.

Michael E. Bewick, Jr. (1963 – 2023)

PHILMONT—Michael E. Bewick, Jr., passed away peacefully at Pine Haven Nursing and Rehab, February 28, 2023 at the age of 59.

“Mike” was born October 25, 1963 in Kenmore to Diane E. Aitcheson (Seiler) who passed in 2011 and Michael E. Bewick, Sr., who passed in 2016.

He moved to Valatie in 1988 where he met Pamela C. Bewick. They married in 1990 and welcomed five children, Daniel, Jacob, Julianna, Caileigh and Christopher. He obtained his GED, and completed some college at Hudson Valley Community College. He worked for a time at Berkshire Farms in Canaan, then became a beloved member of the USPS, where he worked as a postmaster ending his career in Greenville in 2020. He was a father-like figure to many of his children’s friends and cousins throughout the years. He taught them about the outdoors, how to be a great friend, and to show love and compassion no matter what. He was a comedian in his own way, dancing, singing and joking at all times. He was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed camping, especially at deer camp. He also was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, Dave Matthews Band, Jameson Irish whiskey, “Cumbies” coffee and a good Marlboro red cigarette. He will be missed so deeply. Besides his children, Mr. Bewick is also survived by: his stepmother, Mary Lou Bewick of Tonawanda; brothers, Thomas Bewick (Jean) of Valatie and Daniel Bewick (Annabel) of Hume; his beloved grandchildren, Ryleigh (Monique), Aria (Anneliese), Ezekiel (Marcus) and Athena (Louis); many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his stepfather, Ronald Seiler (2001). A service is scheduled March 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home in Valatie. Preceding the service will be a celebration of life at the Christian Community Church in Stuyvesant. All are welcome to celebrate his life.

Robin Dropkin (1952 – 2023)

WEST LEBANON—On February 26, 2023, Robin Dropkin passed away at home in hospice care after a long struggle with ovarian cancer. Her husband, Ralph “Chip” Frank, and two devoted friends, along with the hospice nurse, were by her side.

Born December 8, 1952 in New York City, she was the daughter of the late May Kaplan and Morton Dropkin. She grew up in Teaneck, NJ, next door to her first cousin, Joanne Siegel, who was like a sister to her.

Graduating from Teaneck High School in 1970, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1974. Moving back east in 1975, she lived for a brief time at the Abode of the Message, the Sufi community in New Lebanon. She left the Abode to do graduate work at Antioch University New England in Keene, NH, where she earned a master’s degree in environmental studies.

In 1980, she and her husband were married at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox, MA, and bought their home in West Lebanon.

From an early age, she knew her life’s work would involve the environment. A gifted and passionate gardener, she was knowledgeable about all aspects of the natural world. Her friends often called upon her to identify the birds, trees and flowering shrubs on walks in the woods and countryside.

After working part-time for several years for Parks and Trails New York (PTNY), she was promoted to executive director in 1995. PTNY is the leading statewide nonprofit park and trail advocacy organization based in Albany. She would go on to lead the organization for almost 30 years, making a difference in creating and promoting numerous greenways, bike paths, river walks, trails, and state parks throughout New York. One project close to her heart was the popular nine-day “Cycling the Erie Canal” with more than 500 bicycling participants.

She cared deeply for her family, organizing holiday gatherings, trips, and week-long get-togethers from New York City to Cape Cod and the Adirondacks. She was known for choosing and leading expeditions to Broadway shows with her extended family.

Friends from diverse walks of life—book group, tennis club, hikers, cyclists and art lovers—were important to her. For many years she and her husband held a Memorial Day party that became “the” place to be on that holiday. She was an avid reader, often reading more than one book at a time, and served for more than 30 years on the board of the New Lebanon Library.

Ms. Dropkin is survived by: her husband, Chip Frank; daughter, Mara Simon (children Shoshana and Jacob), and son, Dan Dropkin-Frank. A memorial service was held at the Old Chatham Quaker Meetinghouse in Old Chatham, March 2.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the local land conservancy that maintains the parks she walked in every day: https://clctrust.org/contribute/gift/

Matthew J. Cornacchia (1989 – 2023)

GREENPORT—Matthew James Cornacchia, 33, of Greenport died Thursday, March 2, 2023 at his home.

Born May 18, 1989 in Hudson, he worked for several years locally as a handyman and previously worked and lived in the Netherlands, Red Hook and Hyde Park. He loved the outdoors, fishing, camping and was an adventurer. He was very artistic in his drawings and paintings and as a tattoo artist. He was funny, witty and helped anyone that needed it. He adored his new kitty, Lucy Lu, and the family dogs, Guiness, Zeb and Oakley. He is survived by: his loving supportive mother, Wendy Albano of Greenport; his children, Kaj James and Brianna Hope; one sister, Lindsey Cornacchia Howes; nephew, Hunter and his grandmother, Angie Albano.

A memorial service will be announced when arrangements with the Sacco Funeral Home, Greenport are complete.

Mauricio A. Leon (1956 – 2023)

HUDSON—Mauricio A. Leon, 66, of Columbiaville died Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Columbia Memorial Hospital. He was born in Sonsonate, El Salvador, November 27, 1956. He was a property manager for Hudson Town & Country Realty for many years.

He will be greatly missed by his loving family, including: his wife, Roxana Moran; children, Maria Natalia Leon de Umaña, Sophia Leon Montti, Mauricio Leon Montti, Mauricio Moran Lazo and Rodrigo Calderon Moran; sisters, Maria A. Leon, Estela M. Leon, and Telma A. Deleon.

Mr. Leon was a devoted active member of the Spanish speaking community at St. Joseph Church. He will be remembered as a charismatic, loving and “fervor spiritual mentor for all who were able to work and meet him.”

Calling hours will be Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 5:30 p.m. with Fr. Steve Matthews officiating. His remains will be laid to rest in his home country of El Salvador at a later date.

Karen L. Kisselbrack (1942 – 2023)

GAINESVILLE, GA—It deeply saddens the family of Karen Louise Kisselbrack to share the news of her passing, March 2, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia, after a short battle with liver cancer.

She was born March 15, 1942. She was married for 61 years to her devoted husband, David Kisselbrack.

Mrs. Kisselbrack was very creative and talented at everything she did. She could sew anything from clothes to placemats, curtains and doggy blankets. She could decorate and design any room to look picture perfect, like any magazine or TV show. She also loved to do country line dancing.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by: her siblings, Bonnie Manes and Steven Boyle; daughters, Jodi Lagonia (George), Wendy Niles (Jerry) and Heidi Haner (Phil); grandchildren, Tylor and Casey Smith, Parker, Tanner and Skyler Niles, Brycen, Bronson and Brayelle Haner. She was predeceased by a son, Kent Kisselbrack in February 2007.

She loved animals and also leaves behind her dog, Lovebug and four miniature ponies, O’Reily, Precious, Sweetheart and Cupcake, as well as her life-long friends from grade school, Duke and Sally McComb and others.

There will be no services.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Hall County Animal Shelter, Gainesville, GA, and the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, Hudson to honor Mrs. Kisselbrack.

Send online condolences to the family at littledavenport.com.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia, is in charge of arrangements.

Arthur F. Welch, Jr. (1950 – 2023)

SPENCERTOWN—Arthur “Stewy” F. Welch, Jr., 72, died Monday, March 6, 2023 at New York Presbyterian Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Arthur F. Welch, Sr., and Catherine Louise (Kiernan) Welch, and husband of Deborah S. Welch. He attended the Chatham School District and graduated in 1968.

He furthered his education by attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and pursued careers in food service throughout his life. He spent most of his life working as food service director for the Convent of the Sacred Heart for 26 years.

He resided in Spencertown for 49 years and was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Spencertown Fire Company for 45 years. During that time he held the position of chief, first responder EMS, and chairman of the Building Committee, as well as being a key player in their annual fundraiser events.

He was an avid golf player, coached Little League when his children were young, and was a loving father.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Deborah, include: three children, Sean A. Welch (Katherine Sullivan) of Chandler, AZ,

Karen M. Kellogg (Gregory Bard) of Rotterdam and Arthur F. Welch, III, (Erin Joyce) of Milton, MA. He was the proud grandfather of Austin Kellogg, Madison Kellogg, Aidan Welch and Owen Welch. He is also survived by: sisters, Kathleen (Welch) Martin of Chatham, Colleen (Welch) Charles of Newburyport, MA; brothers, Paul A. Welch of Chatham, Michael J. Welch of Perth, Ontario, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call at the Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham, Friday, March 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. A fireman’s service will be held at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Spencertown Fire Company, P.O. Box 1, Spencertown 12165. To sign the guest book or get service directions visit www.wenkfuneralhome.com.

Eric R. Berninger (1988 – 2023)

GHENT—Eric Ryan Berninger, 34, passed away unexpectedly March 5, 2023.

Born July 27, 1988 to Allen and Debra Berninger of Ghent, he was the third of four children.

After graduating from Chatham High School in 2006, he went on to study landscape architecture at SUNY Delhi. His love of the outdoors started at an early age, spending countless days of his childhood working on his family’s farm with his “Pop Pop.” His appreciation for nature extended to other hobbies; he was a member of the Ghent Sportmen’s Association, and he could often be found on an ATV, snowmobile, snowboard, or his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle.

He began working for the New York State Department of Transportation in 2013, a job he truly enjoyed and took pride in. There was nothing he loved more than his two children, Raley Jane and Wyatt David, who meant the world to him. He was an adoring father, and there aren’t words to express how much he cherished time with his children. He was incredibly proud of his kids and enjoyed the small moments with them. With Wyatt he shared a passion for football. The two of them watched Sunday games so fiercely that as a young toddler Wyatt memorized all the team names and weekly match-ups in preparation for their time together. (But his father was quite disappointed Wyatt wasn’t a fellow Jets fan.) Raley, was her father’s princess, and they loved sharing the outdoors together in the garden or taking rides on his motorcycle. He loved cheering her on during dance or gymnastics events and frequently talked about her love of reading. They could often be found riding bikes together or fishing in the small stream behind their home.

In addition to his parents and two children, he is survived by his beloved dog, Tucker; grandmothers, Lena Berninger of Ghent and Marliese Oathout of Chatham; brother, Brandon, and his partner Ciera Schrader of Ghent; sisters, Amy and husband Michael Trivers, of Wayland, MA, and Abriel, and partner Brandon Goold, of Valatie; nephews, Keaton Berninger of Ghent and Tanner and Reed Trivers of Wayland, MA; niece Addison Berninger of Ghent; countless aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends, all who will miss him terribly. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Allen Berninger and Roderick Jones.

Family will receive friends at the M. Grimaldi Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham, Saturday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to noon with a funeral service immediately after. Interment will follow at the Ghent Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to his children may be sent to the Berninger Children Fund, c/o the Bank of Greene County, P.O. Box 358, Ghent 12075.

Howard Brandston (1935 -2023)

LENOX. MA—Howard Brandston, formerly of Claverack, NY, and New York City, passed away Friday, February 24th, from Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 87 years old.

Howard graduated from Brooklyn College in 1957. He founded H.M. Brandston & Partners in New York City in 1966, one of the first architectural lighting design firms (now Brandston Partnership or BPI). Over a career spanning over 50 years, Howard became one of the most recognized lighting designers in the world. He completed over 2,500 projects globally. He is best known for the relighting of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. He enjoyed fishing and hunting on their “humble haven in Hollowville,” as well as in many other states and countries.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Melanie (Manning), his brother, Andrew; his children Perry, Lori, Sarah, and Raj; four grandchildren–Melody, Ted, Julia, and Daniel, and three great-grandchildren. There will be a celebration of life event in spring 2023 in New York City. Memorial gifts can be made to the Brooklyn College Foundation, www.brooklyncollegefoundation.org. PAID OBITUARY