Assembly Resolution No. 133
BY: M. of A. Gallahan
MOURNING the death of Robert Crocker Howe,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Robert Crocker Howe was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Robert Crocker Howe, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Robert "Bob" Crocker Howe, a respected and positive force
in the Cortland community, local politics and at SUNY Cortland, died on
Sunday, February 12, 2023, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Born July 10, 1947 in Cortland, New York, Robert Crocker
Howe was the son of Robert E. Howe and Myrl Rose Crocker; he was also
the grandson of Glyndon H. Crocker, Sr., the former Director of the J.C.
Penney Co. and the founder of the Crescent Corset Co.; and
WHEREAS, Robert Crocker Howe received his Bachelor of Science degree
in Business Administration from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New
Jersey, and did post graduate work at Bernard Baruch College in New York
City; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of the Simmons School of Mortuary Science in
Syracuse, Robert Crocker Howe served as a licensed funeral director in
New York State since 1976; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Robert Crocker Howe worked in several
different capacities, including as an assistant buyer with J.C. Penney
and as a Real Estate Broker; he also worked for Fairchild & Meech, Inc.
Funeral Home in Syracuse, New York, and as an Assistant Manager and
Supervisor at C.E. Chappell & Son; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Robert Crocker Howe formerly served as a Cortland County
Coroner and served as the Board of Elections Commissioner for Cortland
County since 1996; in 2002, he became the first Cortland County election
commissioner to serve as president of the New York State Association of
Election Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, he served as the New York State Election
Commissioner Association's (ECA) 3rd Vice President in 2000, followed by
its President in 2002; he also served as Region 5 Co-Chair from 2006 to
2011, and was a member of both the Executive Committee and Legislative
Committee prior to 2006, as well as a constant contributor to "The
Reporter," ECA's newsletter; and
WHEREAS, Robert Crocker Howe also served for many years on the Board
of Directors of the 1890 House Museum and Center for the Victorian Arts,
the Cortland Rural Cemetery Foundation, and the Hospice Foundation of
Cortland County; he was an active member of the Homer Elks and Cortland
Rotary Club, as well as an Elder in the United Presbyterian Church; and
WHEREAS, Robert Crocker Howe's long relationship with SUNY Cortland
began when his mother earned her teaching certificate in elementary
education from the College in 1961; in honor of his mother's affection
for the College, he funded two SUNY Cortland scholarships in 1998, one
to assist a future educator and a second to help a local student; and
WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith and generosity, Robert Crocker
Howe, although he graduated from a different university, joined the
Cortland College Foundation Board of Directors in 1998; his experience,
leadership and wisdom helped the College lay a strong foundation for the
future; and
WHEREAS, In the fall of 2006, Robert Crocker Howe loaned a valuable
collection of antique European and American porcelain and other
furnishings which had been in his family for three generations to be
exhibited as "A Passion for Porcelain: The Crocker Collection of
Decorative Arts," at Dowd Gallery; he went on to donate the entire
collection, along with many home furnishings, to the Lynne Parks '68
SUNY Cortland Alumni House and made substantial gifts to support the
gallery; and
WHEREAS, Robert Crocker Howe was a vigorous advocate for SUNY
Cortland's educational mission, and his generosity places him among the
institution's top individual donors; he is survived by his family, Ahmed
Ebrahim, Jeffrey Crocker, Joan M. Sheridan, and Tracy Crocker; and
WHEREAS, Robert Crocker Howe's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Robert Crocker Howe leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert Crocker Howe, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert Crocker Howe.
