Howard J Rickard Jr , August 08, 1951 — January 12, 2019

Cobleskill- Howard James Rickard Jr., 67, of Cobleskill passed away Saturday, January 12, 2019 at his home with his loving family at his side. Born on August 8, 1951 in Amsterdam, NY, he was the son of the late Anna Mae (Watson) and Howard J. Rickard Sr. Howard graduated from Canajoharie High School, then went on to SUNY Albany where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He was a former Mathematics teacher at Schoharie High School.

He also taught Computer Science at SUNY Cobleskill. He served on the SUNY Cobleskill College Foundation Board, the SUNY Cobleskill Technology Advisory Board, as well as the CRCS Board of Education. Howard retired from Sterling Insurance Company after 31 years as the Senior Vice President of Information Technology.

Howard was active in his community and was a member of several local organizations and boards including the Crop Duster Remote Control Airplane Club and Schoharie County Region Antique Car Club. He was also presently serving on the Board of Directors at Bank of Richmondville, the Sterling Insurance Board of Directors, and the Sterling Marketing Services Board of Directors. Many summer days were spent relaxing at their camp on Sacandaga Lake, enjoying the pontoon boat.

Howard married his wife, Cathy France, 47 years ago on November 19, 1971. He is predeceased by his brother, Ron, who passed in May 2018. Survivors include his wife, Cathy; three children: Lisa (Nick) Yatrakis of Sloansville, Adam Rickard of Richmondville, and Matthew (Laura) Rickard of West Sand Lake; four grandchildren: Nicholas Yatrakis, Landon Yatrakis, Ella Rickard and Jonah Rickard; two brothers: George (Beth) Rickard of Bismarck, ND, and Stephen (Claudia) Rickard of Stamford; two sisters: Kathleen (Charles) McMullen of Sprakers, and Barbara (Eli) Hall of Amberson, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

All are invited to a memorial visitation which will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill. Family and friends are also welcome to gather at the family’s home for a celebration of life immediately following the visitation. There will be no formal service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Howard’s memory to Marathon For A Better Life, P.O. Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187 or the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Inc.,297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.

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