Howard Arlington Walters, 99 years old of Petersburg, NY passed away on September 13, 2015. He departed this world peacefully at his younger daughter’s home, in the comfort of family.

Howard was born April 21, 1916, in Rutland Vermont. In his teenage years, he and his father, Arlington, relocated to Petersburg, where they opened a bakery. There he met the love his life, Bertha Weeden. When World War II broke out, Howard enlisted in the army and honorably served his country on the Pacific Front, attaining the rank of Sergeant. While on furlough, he and Bertha wed, a union that lasted 52 years, until her death. Upon his discharge from the army, Howard returned to Bertha in Petersburg. They subsequently had two daughters, Patricia and Susan.

A new father, Howard went to work as a cabinetmaker. His employer, Carl Betke of Troy, NY, taught Howard the intricacies of making new furniture and restoring antiques. To this day, Howard’s custom woodworking can be found in various churches and homes throughout the Capital District. With his hard work ethic and natural talent, Howard eventually went into business for himself, opening his "Furniture Hospital," where he spent the next forty-four years repairing and rebuilding furniture for clientele spanning from his hometown of Petersburg to Colorado. During this time, Howard also worked part-time alongside his wife as a bus driver for the Berlin Central School District. He did not officially close the Furniture Hospital until 2006, at which time he was 90 years old.

As a veteran, local businessman, and active member of the Petersburg Baptist Church, Howard was a very well respected pillar of the community. Following the Petersburg Baptist Church Fire of 1982, Howard used his skills to restore all of the damaged pews and furniture. He was appointed a deacon in 1965 and served in this capacity until approximately 1990. Howard continued to live independently until age 97. In recognition of his service to the community, in 2001 the Berlin School District awarded him an honorary diploma. He has received various other honoraria from state and local officials. He was loved by his family and neighbors, young and old. He will be truly missed.

Howard is survived by his daughter Patricia Rowland, and her husband Timothy; daughter Susan Forman and her husband Arthur; grandchildren, Sarah Forman, Jonathan Hitsous, Jamie Thater, Katherine McLaughlin and her husband James; and great-grandchildren, Emily Baker and Lloyd Thater.

Howard’s family would like to thank the staff of the Rensselaer County Hospice for their assistance and care during his final months. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations in his name, to the Rensselaer County Hospice or the Eastern Area Senior Service Center of Cropseyville, N.Y.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 17th, 2015, at Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street, Hoosick Falls NY. The viewing is at 11am, the service at 12pm. Burial will be at Meadowlawn Cemetery in Petersburg, N.Y.

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