Hornell, New York

Howard W. “Howie” Nisbet, Jr. – 92 – of 7997 Rose Rd., Hornell, NY (Town of Fremont) died Tuesday morning (July 23, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 15, 1931, he was the son of Howard & Thelma (McCullum) Nisbet.

Howie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School. Following high school graduation, he was employed for a time in the engineering department at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) until being drafted into the US Army. Howard served his country as a member of the US Army from 1953-1955 (during the Korean Conflict) and had been stationed in Germany.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Howard returned to Hornell and resumed his employment at the NYSDOT. Throughout the years, he worked his way up through the ranks of the engineering department retiring in 1989 as Principal Engineering Technician following 37 years of dedicated service.

During those years, Howard also raised beef cows and operated what would affectionately be known as “Welcome To Our World Farm.” He was proud of the fact that he was able to maintain the farm and operate his riding lawnmower and tend to his four acres right up to recent years. Following his retirement from the NYSDOT, he was employed seasonally for Burns Dairy Farm in Hornell, working in many capacities.

Howie had been a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Hornell and for over 50 years was a member of the Arkport American Legion. He was active in the Hornell Little League, serving as president for 16 years. For over 20 years he served as Scout Leader for Troup 37 of the Boy Scouts of America and was proud of the fact that his sons all became Eagle Scouts.

In his younger years, Howie enjoyed rabbit hunting and in later years had a passion for deer hunting. He was an avid NASCAR fan who enjoyed rooting for his favorite driver, Bill Elliott and later Chase Elliott. He loved the days spent with his family camping, especially attending dirt races on Super Dirt Week at the New York State Fairgrounds. He also enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees (MLB) and the Buffalo Bills (NFL).

Howie will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to all. He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the privilege of knowing him!

Howard was married on June 28, 1953 to the former Nancy Buono who died March 7, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Gormont.

Surviving are 3 sons, Howard “Howie” (Dorothy) Nisbet III of Hornell, Timothy (Donna Walker) Nisbet of Stokedale, NC and Doug (Grace) Nisbet of Williamson, NY; 10 grandchildren, Brian (Patty Hopkins) Nisbet, Megan (Chris) Daily, Daniel Sirianni, Cara (August) Antol, Robert (Muneeza) Sirianni, Rikki Nisbet, Patrick Nisbet, Ethan Nisbet, Zachary Nisbet and Christopher (Kari) Bocianski; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

The family of Howard W. “Howie” Nisbet, Jr. will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Howard’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Fremont Fire & Ambulance, PO Box 462, Arkport, NY 14807. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

In recognition of Howard’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.