Howard William Bohling, Jr.

Mr. Howard William Bohling, Jr., age 80, of Sauquoit, passed away on Monday, December 10, 2007 at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center with his loving family by his side. Born in New Hartford on October 2, 1927, Howard was the son of the late Howard William, Sr. and Frances (Gossin) Bohling. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of New Hartford High School. A veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Transport technician, stationed at the Bermuda Base Command. On August 27, 1948 he married the former Elizabeth Marie Minal with whom he shared 59 years in a marriage that was blessed with many wonderful times and a life filled with family activities. As a self-employed entrepreneur, Howard was a man endowed with a strong work ethic. He established Bohling’s Auto Service in 1957, mainly located at State St. and Lincoln Ave. His patrons were his life line, and his honest business ways and ethical commitments were admired and remembered in this community. He lived by the philosophy “If people couldn’t make a living in their own back yard, they couldn’t make it anywhere”. Howard had a sincere appreciation for the outdoors and animals, and he surrounded himself with the beauty of the New Hartford and Sauquoit Valleys. A passionate snowmobiler for many years, he especially appreciated the Canadian trails which he traveled to in more recent years. He frequented his summer home in Richfield Springs where he enjoyed boating and water activities, and especially loved sharing his interest in these sports with his four children. Traditional values were important to him, and they provided a guiding source for his life. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Remsen Post #982. Howard is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his children and their spouses, Charles H. and Linda (Rizzo) Bohling of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, Susan Gottlieb and her husband Neil Wolk of New York City, NY, June M. and Alan Goldman of Long Island, and Lawrence H. and Ann L. (Zongrone) Bohling of Sauquoit; and his adored grandchildren, Amy, and Michael Bohling; Dana Gottlieb; Tanya, and Zachary Goldman; and Justin, and Abbie Bohling. Also surviving are his sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty Jean Smith of Taberg, NY, Lillian Lorraine of FL, Sally and Carl Barth, Mildred and Donald Moore, and Eleanor and Steve Moran, all of New Hartford; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, including Evelyn and Bill Tanner; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Bryan. He was predeceased by his brothers, Arthur, George, and William Bohling; his brother-in-law, Jack Bryan; and his sister-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” Simpson and her husband David. The family extends sincere thanks to the St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center for their compassion in caring for Howard. Visitation will be held Thursday (today) from 1:00-3:00 and 6:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Howard’s honor to the family, enabling them to establish an automotive scholarship; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The VFW Remsen Post #982 will gather at the funeral home on Thursday evening at 7:30 for ritualistic services.

Howard William Bohling, Jr.

October 2, 1927 - December 10, 2007