In Remembrance of Former Dean Howard Sidney

Cobleskill - Howard Sidney, 90, formerly of Cobleskill, N.Y., died Sunday, December 27, 2009.

Howard was born in Middleburgh, N.Y. on February 21, 1919, the son of Herbert Sidney and Helen Schaeffer Sidney of Schoharie. Howard graduated from Schoharie Central School in 1937 and continued his studies at the College of Agricultural Life Sciences in Cornell University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1941 and later a Masters in Education from Cornell University (1950). While in Cornell he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity and Business Manager of the Cornell Countryman.

Howard served in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during WWII on an LST landing ship in Okinawa and Tokyo for the surrender to the US. He was named Honor Man of his company.

Howard was an educator in life. He taught agriculture in McLean Central School and Homer Central School 1946-1953. While at Homer he worked with Cornell University as a teacher training center for Cornell. In 1953 Howard joined the SUNY (State University of New York) faculty as an instructor at Cobleskill Agricultural and Technical College. He served as Chairman of the Agricultural Division 1960 – 1975 and supervised the development of the new Agricultural campus. He served as Dean of Academic Affairs from 1975 until retirement in 1983. In 1966 he directed the first national conference in Technical Education at the college serving educators from all states. In 1967-68, upon invitation from the US Office of Education, he was on sabbatical leave for one year to conduct regional seminars for the states to upgrade and start two year colleges.

Howard’s loves included his family, SUNY Cobleskill, the United Methodist Church, and the community of Cobleskill. Memberships and Honors included: Cobleskill United Methodist Church Board, director of Cobleskill Rotary, director of Cobleskill Chamber of Commerce, Schoharie Co. Co-op Extension Service, president of Cobleskill Agricultural Society, member of Farm Bureau, and editor of Agricultural Education Magazine.

Howard was married to Hazel Frances Raymond August 29, 1941. She preceded him in death November 20, 1997. He is missed by his two daughters and their spouses: Sally and Rick Heneghan and Cynthia and Richard Mickley both of Roswell, GA.; his sister Margaret Taconis, 3 nephews and 4 nieces. Howard was "Grampy” to 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Howard was predeceased by four brothers and one sister.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at the Roswell Presbyterian Church at 3:00 pm. Inurnment of cremains will be at the Old Stone Fort Cemetery, Schoharie, N.Y.