Obituary of Howard J. Olmstead, Sr.

Howard J. Olmstead, 89, of Johnstown, New York, passed away peacefully at Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility. Born March 6, 1931 in Amsterdam, New York to Joseph and Anna (Borden) Olmstead, Howard was a life-long area resident. He was united in marriage to Frances J. (Marchetti) Olmstead on August 23, 1952.

He worked on various farms in the Glen area, until being hired by the Town of Glen as a Laborer. He began working for the City of Johnstown in 1962, where he became a Foreman in 1966. He worked in this role until his retirement in 1991. Howard would still help local farms during his career as a Foreman as much as he could, lending a hand to whoever may need it. He loved the farm life, and was a hard worker. He took pride in his work, and when he was rewarded with sweet corn, he shared it with all of his neighbors, and also made bountiful meals for his family with it.

Howard was a family man, and he especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed playing cards, taking trips to the casino, and cooking for his family and friends. Howard loved to surprise everyone with his pies and rice pudding, as well as cooking large meals for his family on special occasions, and lasagnas for the families who owned the farms he worked on, including the Ripleys and the Holloways. He also adored the three Schnauzers he had through the years; Abby, Gretchen, and Heide.  Howard was a member of the Johnstown Moose Lodge, the Johnstown Serniors, Gloversville Seniors, and the Fonda-Fultonville Bowling League, which he attended twice a week.

Howard is survived by his wife Frances Olmstead, son Howard (Theresa) J. Olmstead Jr. of Johnstown, daughter Mary Jane (Bob) Trzaskos of Johnstown, grandchildren; Deena (Tom) Sisco, Krista (Charlie) Peterson, Colleen (James) Driggs, Howard (Niki) Olmstead, and Joseph Olmstead, great-grandchildren; Jolee Peterson, Jude Peterson, Giada Olmstead, Gavin Thompson, Jack Driggs, Maggie Driggs, and Ella Driggs. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ralph Marchetti of Las Vegas, NV, cousin, Betty (Ralph) MacLaughlin, second cousins Billy (Mary) Lang, and Charlene Strain, as well as by several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna Olmstead, brother Allen Olmstead, and sister Jane E. Klump.

Funeral services will be held privately at the Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fultonville, NY, 12072 with Reverend Tomas J. Flander Jr. presiding. Family and friends are welcome, and may attend interment services this spring on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 11:00 in the morning, in Maple Avenue Cemetery, Fultonville, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Edward L. Wilkinson Residential Health Care Center, 4988 NY-30, Amsterdam, NY 12010.