Obituary of Howard Harbeck

DELMAR - Howard E. Harbeck, Sr. of Delmar passed away at home on Friday, November 11, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Albany, he was the son of George H. and Bertha (Schultz) Harbeck. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Albany later transferring to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Delmar. Howard served with the U.S. Navy in WWII in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters aboard the U.S.S. Card and U.S.S. Santee escort carriers for which he received medals and the Presidential Citation. Howard worked for the Albany County Highway Dept., Borden Boulevard Dairy, as a machinist for Burroughs Corp. then Albany Medical Center Hospital until his retirement. He loved working with wood and made several pieces for his home, family and friends. Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Ruth T. (Schreck) Harbeck; children, Howard E. (Cheryl) Harbeck, Jr., and Dr. Kerry L. Harbeck (and loving companion Barbara Pedone); grandchildren, Michael (Sharon), Garrett (Stacey) and Jason Harbeck; great grandchildren, Stephen, Holly, Logan, Angela, Jaden, Gavin and Chase Harbeck; nieces and nephews, Arlington (Margaret) Harbeck, Ann (Robert) Pfeiffer, Lois Harbeck Miller and Raymond (Mary) Harbeck; and cousin, Albert Schumacher. He was predeceased by his sister, Viola Tompkins, and brothers, George, Louis, Arlington and Raymond Harbeck. A funeral service will be held 10:30 am Wednesday at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave., Delmar. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church. Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery, Delmar. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave., Delmar, NY 12054 or the Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.