Howard M. ‘Sparky’ Linderman

HINSDALE — Howard M. “Sparky” Linderman, 91, passed away Thursday (Dec. 11, 2025) at the Houghton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, after a lengthy illness.

Born July 2, 1934, in Olean, he was the son of Merlyn and Pauline VanDusen Linderman. On Oct. 10, 1959, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Olean, he married Elizabeth Saylor, who survives.

Sparky was a 1951 graduate of Hinsdale Central School and then received an associate degree from the former Westbrook Commercial Academy. In 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until 1959.

Sparky worked at the Olean Times Herald for over 50 years as a printer and compositor.

In his free time, he enjoyed working around the house and taking care of his lawn. He also enjoyed carpentry, bowling and cheering on the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and St. Bonaventure Basketball.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Lori (Danny) Clovis of Hinsdale, Lesli (Timothy) Whitney of Eldred, Pa. and Scott (Leslie) Linderman of Hinsdale; his grandchildren, Neil (Shauna) Linderman of Gibsonia, Pa., Crysania Linderman of West Seneca, Jericca (Dillan) Tunderman of Olean and Briana (Josh Gasdik) Linderman of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; and two great grandchildren, Elizabeth Linderman and Ricky Gasdik.

He was predeceased by one sister, Katherine Frost.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 17, 2025)  at the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 West State Road, Olean. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Rev. Kim Rossi will officiate. Burial will be in Maplehurst Cemetery.

Memorials if desired may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Olean-Hinsdale Road, Olean, NY 14760 (https://spcacattco.org/); or the Hinsdale Food Pantry.