Adrian Xavier Howard

UTICA - Adrian Xavier Howard went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 18, 2026, just two days shy of his 21st birthday, in the comfort and care of his loved ones. In Syracuse on April 20, 2005, Adrian was born to Adrian Cole and Amanda Howard. He was blessed to know the love, guidance, and support of his adoptive parents, Kenny and Shirley (Spencer) Troy. He attended UCP on Catherine Street for pre-kindergarten, Kernan and Albany Street Elementary schools, and Donovan Middle School, and was proud that he would soon graduate from T.R. Proctor High School. Adrian was truly a blessing to his loved ones; no one came or went without first seeing Adrian or leaving without feeling uplifted. He woke each day with a smile and a joyful disposition. He cherished the guidance and support of his teacher, Nicole Rossi-Billins, and her husband, Michael Billins, and Mr. Ferris, who devoted themselves to going the extra mile for him. Especially when the weather was nice, he loved going for walks. He was also an avid music lover, especially Gospel and children’s music; his favorite song was Twinkle, Twinkle little star, along with Kenny’s own creation, Hunkley Dunkley, which never failed to make him smile and laugh. When listening to music, Adrian loved to tap his feet on the floor. He could also put away a good plate of Mac-n-cheese, and a McDouble sandwich. Adrian is survived by his by his biological father and mother, Adrian Cole and Amanda Howard; adoptive parents, Kenny and Shirley Troy; maternal grandmother, Annie Pope and her husband Randolph Pope; sisters, Jaquayia Younes, Chelsea Neltran, Raneisha Howard, Tyasia Hendricks, Amaya Brown and Laniyah Brown, Adriana Cole, Sade Cole, Alesia Cole, brother, Airion Cole and Caleb Pearson; adoptive siblings, sisters, Shanika Fudge, Denise Fudge, Dennis Fudge, Jahneen Troy, brother, Sean Troy; a host of aunts and uncles including Annie and Charles Minor, Caroline Savage, Angelo and Janet Spencer, Lepolia Spencer, Cathy Spencer, James Spencer, Tracy and William Russell, Quinton and Jackie Spencer, Paulette and Earl Lang, Anitra Jefferson (the Al Jefferson), Eugene Howard, Gerald Abrams, and Anthony Troy; and many cousins, especially acknowledging his cousin and babysitter, Sanniyah Robinson. He was preceded by his maternal grandfather, James Howard; aunts, Latwanya Howard and Wanda Troy; and uncles, Freckus Troy, and Earnest Troy. Adrian’s family would like to thank his medical care team, especially neurologist, Dr. John Lansing III, Dr. Huss, optometrist, Dr. Liegal, and his case worker, Heidi Ferdinand, for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 10:45-11:45 a.m. at The Greater Holy Temple Church of Jesus Christ, 1309 Howard Ave, Utica. Adrian’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery

Adrian Xavier Howard

April 20, 2005 - April 18, 2026