Howard A. Rutherford, 91, Madrid

Madrid, NY - Howard A. Rutherford, 91, passed away with his family by his side after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

Howard was born to the late Dewitt and Christine (Morris) Rutherford on April 20, 1932 in Madrid, NY. He attended Madrid schools and then enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably during the Korean Conflict. He served in the 11th Airborne Division (The Angels) as a paratrooper specializing in parachute assault operations, and was stationed at US Army Sheridan Kaserne in Augsburg, Germany. He returned home and worked as a contract employee during the St. Lawrence Seaway Project until 1959. He also worked for the Tree Preservation Company, St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District, and then later went to work at Madrid-Waddington Central School District as a bus mechanic, retiring in 1995 after 28 years of service.

After serving in the army, he developed a passion for flying. He took flying lessons from his friend and flight instructor Clarence Petty at the Potsdam Airport and purchased an Aeronca single-engine 2-seater airplane. Many family members and friends have fond memories of taking to the skies with him to see the Madrid area from a different perspective! He also loved gardening, fishing, hunting, beekeeping, being outdoors cutting wood, and making maple syrup “liquid gold” at his sugar shack. He took great pride in producing the purest maple syrup.

Howard is survived by his loving children, Irene (Leland) Oshier, Christopher (Shirley) Rutherford, Thomas (Carrie) Rutherford, Daniel (Nicole) Rutherford, Robert (Christine) Rutherford and John (Jennifer) Rutherford. Howard is also survived by his grandchildren, Christie, Gregory, Adam, Emily, Evan, Noah, Ethan, Cooper, Gianna, Luke, Kara and Chloe; great-grandchildren, Carson, Sophie and Leo; along with a brother, Morris Bruce Rutherford. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Josef and Werner Heimbach and their families in Germany, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Elisabeth, who he met while stationed in Germany and who passed away November 10, 2023. He was also predeceased by a daughter, Lori Ann in 1969; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Doris (Harry) Williamson, Beverly (Robert) Irving, Noreen (Robert) Seaman, and sister in-law Barbara Rutherford.

The family is thankful for the compassionate care that he received at Ogdensburg Family Practice, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley. Per Howard's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. There will be a private graveside service held at the convenience of the family at a later date in Madrid Cemetery.

If you wish, donations can be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley; 6805 US Route 11, Potsdam, New York, 13676 or Madrid Fire Department; P.O. 69 Box, Madrid, New York 13660 in his memory. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories, online condolences and photos of Howard by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com