Obituary of Dewitt Garret Howell

Dewitt "Garry" Howell, 72, of Goshen, passed away with his family by his side, Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at home. Dewitt "Garry" was born July 3, 1941 in Goshen, NY, the son of Dewitt Samuel and Bertha Seward (Wright) Howell. Garry first worked in the family business at Howell's Luncheonette. He graduated from Goshen High School and attended Orange County Community College. He went on to graduate from Bloomfield College in Bloomfield, NJ in 1964 and began his career working for Orange County. He retired after 37 years from the Dept. of Social Service, Goshen, NY as Welfare Management System Coordinator. Garry was former Past Master of Goshen Masonic Lodge, Mason's Grand Lodge appointed Garry Director of Ceremonies from 1991-1994. Past Patron of the Ajamore Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star; Member of the First Presbyterian Church, Deacon, Elder and Sunday School Teacher; Girl Scout Co-leader and 4 H Co-leader with wife Joan; Member, Secretary and on the Board of Directors for Slate Hill Cemetery, Goshen. He is survived by his wife, Joan Howell at home; daughters, Susan Ambrosino of Pine Bush, NY and Diane Bianchi and her husband Michael of Royal Palm Beach, FL; sister, Linda Dross of Goshen; brother-in-law, Gordon Thew and wife Laurie of Maybrook; 2 grandchildren, Raymond Garrett Curry and Alysha Ann Ambrosino; and several nieces and nephews. Garry was predeceased by his parents, Dewitt and Bertha Howell. Garry was loved by his family and everyone who knew him. He was a gentle loving husband, father and grandfather. Garry enjoyed camping at Alpine Lake for 37 years with his family and grandchildren. Yearly trips to Ocean City, NJ, game nights with relative and friends, and Special memories at Elsie's Restaurant with Bill and Bob. A Memorial Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 5 at the First Presbyterian Church of Goshen, 33 Park Pl., Goshen, NY, with the Service at 10:30 am with the Reverend David Kingsley officiating. Following the funeral service the Mason's will have a brief service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Goshen, NY 10924 or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit www.donovanfunerals.com