With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Richard "Dick" Howk of Pittsford, NY.
Here is what mattered, in the years between the dates.
What is taught through a parent's example outlasts what is taught through their words.
Richard Howk, 73, of Pittsford, NY passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2026 with his family by his side.
Richard was born in Rochester, NY on May 15,1952 to Ronald and Lucille Howk. He was raised in Webster, NY and graduated from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. After graduating, he married the love of his life and moved to Oregon to work in forestry. Years later, he returned to Rochester to start a family and work for Lightnin Mixers/Mixco. He returned to RIT to further his education in Engineering after which, he went on to contribute and develop several design patents for industrial mixing equipment.
Richard has always loved the outdoors. He enjoyed day trips with his wife, Nedda, to their favorite fishing holes, as well as hiking, camping, biking, walking on the Erie Canal Trail, or just being outside. He was a very active volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America where he helped facilitate several camping trips and excursions for Troop 341.
He was always ready for an adventure or fun – to his nieces and nephews he was known as Uncle Dick and in more recent years he took on the title of Grandpa Dick to his three granddaughters.
He also had an extreme sweet tooth, always looking for a donut, cookie, cake, ice cream, or his favorite, whipped cream on top of anything!
In his retirement, he discovered a passion for Pickleball and joined several pickup leagues at the JCC, Schottland YMCA, and Pittsford Rec Center where he loved playing the sport and meeting new people. Richard was looking for additional volunteer opportunities and joined the Pittsford Fire Department as an Exterior Fire Fighter. He has always enjoyed learning new things, and although he was only a member for a short while, he truly enjoyed the ability to be a member and contribute to helping others.
Richard was predeceased by the love of his life, Nedda Wagner Howk, to whom he was married for 50 years. He is survived by his children, Chris (Mary) and Andy (Morgan), and three granddaughters: Eleanor, Maisie, and Frances. He is also survived by his sister Linda Howk Stoddard and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In his memory, please enjoy a sweet treat for him and consider donating to the Pittsford Volunteer Fire Department, 8 Monroe Ave., Pittsford, NY 14534 in his memory. [ Donate Online ]
Miller Funeral Services is honored to serve the family of Richard Howk.
