Obituary of Roy Howard

ROY HOWARD April 14, 1934-January 29, 2013 Bethel, NY Roy Howard, a lifelong resident of Bethel, and Monticello, died January 29, 2013 after a long illness. He was 78 years old. Roy was born in Brooklyn to the late Florence Skolnick Howard. He was the grandson of Morris and Rose Skolnick of Bethel. Although Roy and his mother often traveled all over the country in his youth, Bethel was always their hometown. Roy was a devoted native son to all of Sullivan County. He believed that local business was the heart and soul of the community. He started many successful businesses in Bethel and Monticello beginning with The Grotto, a beatnik coffee shop he started in his grandfather's casino at the family bungalow colony, right up to The Beer Store and Tilly's Diner, both in Monticello. As a businessman, he served his community with a gracious smile and a generous heart. He never stopped believing in Sullivan County. Most notably, in recent years, Roy was known for being the champion of the Woodstock spirit. Roy and his wife, Jeryl, brought thousands of people to their home, the former Yasgur Farm, to commemorate Bethel's most notable moment. Roy leaves behind to mourn his loss, his wife, Jeryl; daughters: Leslee Howard of Monticello, Jamie (Richard) Redmond of Coconut Creek, FL; sons: Joshua and Erik Howard, both of Brooklyn and Zachary Howard, at home. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Jacob and Riley Redmond of Coconut Creek, FL; his lifelong friend, Leo Glass of Monticello; and thousands of others. Interment will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Tisch Cancer Institute, in memory of Roy Howard, to further the research of Dr. William Oh, Mt Sinai Medical Center Development Office, 1 Gustave Levy Place, Box 1049, New York, NY 10029. Godspeed. Arrangements were made by Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701 845-794-7474. www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com