MORRISONVILLE - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Thomas J Howard on February 21, 2024, at the age of 74.

Tom was born on May 2, 1949, the son of Margaret and Thomas Howard of Dannemora.  He met the love of his life, Lynn Jarvis, while she worked under his mother in the nursing ward at Clinton Correctional Facility. (Tom always got a laugh when sharing the story of meeting his future wife "in jail at Dannemora.")  Tom and Lynn married on September 20, 1975, at St. Joseph's Church in Coopersville, NY and moved to Morrisonville soon after. "Popsi", affectionately called by so many, including his three daughters, was employed by the New York State Department of Corrections as a teacher and education supervisor for over 35 years, all while doing taxes and even starting his own business as a tax preparer – which he proudly grew and eventually sold, to H&R Block.  Upon his retirement, Tom and Lynn traveled the world and enjoyed spending their time together and with family, especially his six grandchildren, who lovingly, and humorously, referred to him simply as "Tommy".

Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who sought to live life to the fullest. He always saw the glass as half filled and throughout his life was there to lend an ear or helping hand to a friend in need. He also worked tirelessly – and selflessly – to give back to the Plattsburgh area community he so dearly loved through his works with the Christmas Bureau, Kent-Delord House Museum, Dannemora Volunteer Fire Department, Dannemora Federal Credit Union, Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, North Country Veterans Association, and St. Joseph's Soup Kitchen, among others. We are comforted knowing Tom touched the lives of so many people and that his legacy will live on through the community he dedicated his life to shape.

One of Tom's proudest accomplishments was being honored this past year with his 25-year sobriety chip, a remarkable milestone that not only symbolized his journey to lasting sobriety but as a testament to his strength and determination to become the best father, husband, and friend he could be.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Margaret Howard and is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Lynn Howard; his children, Michelle (Mark) Bonczkowski, Danielle (Matthew) Ross, and Jessica (Mike) Lesczinski; his grandchildren Luke and Owen Bonczkowski, Ada and Myra Ross, and Olivia and Liam Lesczinski, as well as a host of relatives and friends.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider, in lieu of flowers, donating to the Dannemora Volunteer Fire Department (PO Box 123 Dannemora, NY 12929) or the North Country Veterans Association (27 Town Line Road, West Chazy, NY 12992) in his honor.

Our family also extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Meadowbrook Nursing Home for their exceptional care, compassion, and companionship during his final years. Their support provided comfort and solace to Tom and his loved ones during a challenging time and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to ensuring Tom's comfort and dignity until the end.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 23rd from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. in St. Alexander's Church in Morrisonville.

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh.