Howard Allen Sager

Howard was born September 4, 1938 in South Dayton, NY to Howard F. C. Sager and Martha L. Press.

He was raised on farms in South Dayton, Cambridge Springs, PA, the family homestead in Forestville and Townline Road in Perrysburg. He was a hardworking, generous, and devoted family man.

Howard met the love of his life, Judith Anna Sager and they wed on December 12, 1959. They made a beautiful life together on their farm near Perrysburg and just celebrated 60 years of marriage in December.

Howard was the highly respected and adored father to Douglas (Valerie) Sager of Perrysburg, Patricia (Suellen) Sager of Marcellus, NY and Ronald (Stacy) Sager of Roberts, Montana and the late baby boy Sager (of Feb. 1963.)

Howard was the brother to Martha Dewey of Perrysburg, Richard (Jane) Sager of Asheville, NY and the late Frederick Sager. He was brother-in-law to Linda Sciera of Oakland, CA.

Howard was the amazing grandpa to 9 grandchildren. Dylan, Rhiannon & Alexis; Devin, Olivia & Abigail; Solomon, Emmalia & Gabriel.

He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and Peter (Miho) de Haan, his AFS son now from Portland, Oregon.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and his firstborn son.

Howard proudly joined the United States Navy and served his country from 1956-1959 as a Machinist Mate on the USS Rigel (AF-58). He then spent 35 years building his career culminating as Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance for all of New York State’s Psychiatric Centers. He retired in 1994 and for more than 25 years was able to enjoy retirement. Howard was a fixer and a doer. Never one to be idle, he loved to nurture his vegetable garden and beautiful flowers, putz around in his barn fixing things or tinker with some new hobby, most recently building beautiful, wooden creations to keep his hands busy. He loved to travel around the country, spending winters with his “Ohana” in Hawaii then Arizona and most recently Florida. He found peace and joy in the woods hunting with his sons and grandsons. He was a tough one to beat at Rummikub and was the best Bingo announcer when our entire family gathered to play. His trademark handlebar moustache brought smiles to everyone he met and we all give Grandpa the credit for teaching us how to wiggle our ears. His greatest joys in retirement came from spending time with his family which he always made a priority. He treasured sitting around “talking story” with family. Many of our fondest memories come from conversations and laughs we shared on their front porch.

Howard had a passion for raising grapes on his Oak Tree Farm for many decades. He was a member of the Elks Club in Dunkirk, the Moose Club in Gowanda, the Planning Board in Perrysburg as well as the Exec. Committee for the Republican Party in Cattaraugus. He was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gowanda.

He was simply the best and will be forever missed.

Donations can made in Howard’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.

A celebration of life will be held in New York at a later date.