Roger L. Howard, loving husband, father and grandfather

OLEAN — Roger L. Howard, of Olean, died Sunday (April 26, 2026) peacefully in his sleep, after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Born March 29, 1944, in Olean, he was the son of Lloyd and Margaret Franz Howard. On May 17, 1969, he married the former Catherine DeArmitt, who survives.

He graduated from Olean High School in 1962.

Roger was employed as a meat cutter at St. Bonaventure University in the Hickey Dining Hall for 18 years. Before and after his time at St. Bonaventure, he worked at many local grocery stores, retiring from Ried’s Food Barn in 2008.

Roger was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, grandson and brothers. He was a proud member of the Hoop Street Losers and often spent nights drinking beer with them around a fire.

He was a member of St. Mary of the Angels Basilica. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Roger J. (Donna) Howard of Olean, Jeff Howard of Cuba, Amy (Pete) Parker of Olean and Dawn (Brian) Karl of Allegany; his grandchildren, Luke (Lisa Burge) Williamson, Jessica (Malachi Schultz) Williamson, Kyle (Ashlyn) Howard, Kara Howard, Stephanie Karl, Alyssa Karl and Cate Karl; three great-grandchildren, Emerson Howard and Mia and Sylvie Williamson, three brothers, Thomas Howard, Daniel (Barb) Howard and Michael (Dina) Howard; brother-in-law, Joseph Kloc; sister-in-law, Mary (Charles) Cornish; brother-in-law, Donald (Sue) DeArmitt; sister-in-law, Ann (Robert) Kosciol; sister-in-law, Maureen DeArmitt; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Howard; a sister, Beverly Kloc; and a brother-in-law, James DeArmitt.

To honor Roger’s request, there will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean, with burial to follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.