Obituary of Howard E. Lynch

Howard E Lynch Saratoga Springs, NY Dr. Howard E. Lynch, 88 of Saratoga Springs and Sidney, New York died peacefully Thursday morning, April 8th, 2010. Howard was born March 2nd, 1922, in Far Rockaway, New York, the son of Anton and Julia Lynch. He married Catherine (Kate) O'Hara in 1949. He was the proud father of 8 boys. He is survived by Daniel and Sarah, Peter and Holli, Patrick and Monica, Michael and Susan, Vincent, Joseph and Tracy, 15 grandchildren, one great grandchild and in-laws Robert and Rita Berberich and Jeanne O'Hara. He was predeceased by his wife Catherine, sons Timothy and Matthew and his siblings: Anton Lynch, Virginia Lynch Osborne and William Lynch. Howard served three plus years during WWII in the US Army in the Medical Corp attached to Engineers. He was stationed in the US, France and Germany. He felt it an honor to serve and much appreciated the GI Bill which was his ticket to a very successful career in Education. Howard had a lifelong passion for Education. Growing up during the Depression with little means, he was the only person in his family to get a college degree. That became three degrees, a BS and MS from Albany University, and a hard earned Doctorate in Education from Columbia University. He ensured that each of his sons would not experience the hardship he endured. Each of his eight sons received a college education. His professional career began at Bedford Central in Mt. Kisco, NY, where he taught and coached for seven years. He coached both basketball and football. Encompassing the "whole" child had been one of the attitudes towards education that he fostered and enhanced. Many a former player and student have often shared with Howard's children how profound an impact he had made on their life. He then became a High School Principal followed by an Assistant Superintendent position. Throughout his career he was a positive mentor to many Teachers and Administrators. In 1965, he relocated to Sidney, NY, where he served as Superintendent of Sidney Central Schools for nineteen years. He considered it a fortunate gift to work in a school system with a Board of Education that allowed him to cultivate an environment of educational excellence. The entire community, including his own family, benefited from his commitment to quality education. What he accomplished was highly regarded both regionally and at the State level. Howard was a proud member of the Sidney Rotary Club where a four year scholarship was established in his honor. Above all, family and extended family gatherings were precious. Of special fond memory are the many Canoe Regatta gatherings hosted at 59 West Main Street. Captain How kept all in the right frame of mind (i.e. Bozo Raider fun). Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 5pm at the CH Landers Funeral Home 21 Main St. in Sidney, New York. Services will be at 11am on Monday, April 12th at the Sacred Heart Church also in Sidney. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney, NY shortly after the Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rotary Club of Sidney Community Foundation for Howard E Lynch Scholarship Fund; C/o Rotary Club of Sidney; PO Box 317; Sidney, N.Y. 13838