George William Howard

Struthers - George W. Howard, 82, of Struthers, passed away Sunday evening, November 5, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his family.

George was born in his family home in Lowellville on November 19, 1934. He was the youngest child to R. Leslie and Mary Caroline Krall Howard. The family of six moved to Youngstown a year later and in 1949 they moved to Struthers.

A graduate of Struthers High School, Class of 1953, George began his career in banking as a teller at the Dollar Savings and Trust Company in Struthers. In 1957 he enlisted in the United States Army and served stateside in Hawaii. George received his certification in the U.S. Army Finance Procedure Course and was a Disbursing Specialist. Upon his honorable discharge in February of 1959, George returned to Struthers and resumed his position as teller for the Dollar Savings and Trust Company. Shortly there after, he became assistant manager and later assistant vice president and retired in 1994 after 43 years of service.

During his time at Dollar Savings and Trust, George also worked as an ambulance driver for the D.A. Davidson Funeral Home and later during the formative years of the former Advanced Gold Cross Ambulance. After his retirement from banking, George enjoyed his position as a funeral associate for Becker Funeral Homes.

George was a member of the Struthers Business Association where he served as treasurer, a member of the Mahoning County Mental Health Board, the Boys and Girls Club, and the former Esquire Club. George, for over 43 years, was a fixture at Gate D of the Canfield Fair.

For 22 years, George enjoyed spending his winters in Redington Shores, Florida and always appreciated the wonderful friendships he made there.

George recently said, "what I did is not what's important, my family is what's important."

April 28, 1962 he married his loving wife of 55 years, Joanne Hoffman and they settled in Struthers to raise their family. He was the devoted father of David (Sue) Howard of Lowellville, Doug (Linda) Howard of Elkridge, MD, and Jeff (Deann) Howard of McDonald. He was the loving grandfather of Alicia and Leah Howard, Tara (Joe) Alberti and Mallory (Brian) Senich, Nicholas and Nathan Howard, Alexis, Matthew, Molly and Madison Howard and great-grandchildren, Vinnie and Emilia Alberti. He was the brother to Marjorie Bechdolt of Toledo, and brother-in-law to Fred Grombacher of Marino Valley, CA, Lou (Marilyn) Hoffman of Liberty and Mary Beth (Larry) Little of Hampstead, MD.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Louis and Peggy Hoffman; sister, Marion Grombacher; brother, Robert Howard; and sister-in-law, Janet (Chris) Ludt.

George was a dear friend and neighbor to many and he also was a valued member of the community. Everyone he came in contact with felt a great respect for him and knew his generous and caring heart.

Friends will be received Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 6:45 PM at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers where a prayer service will follow at 7:00 PM.

George's family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the wonderful care provided by the caregivers of Assumption Village and Hospice of the Valley

and requests that any gifts please take the form of contributions to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market Street, Boardman, OH 44512.