Robert V. Howard, 80, of 110 Wehler Road, St. Marys, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Snyder Memorial Health Care Center in Marienville, after an illness of the past year.

Bob was born May 3, 1943, in Kane, son of the late Leonard and Wilna Hitchcock Howard.  He was a graduate of Kane High School, Class of 1961, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, earning his Metallurgy Degree, and continued his studies with Penn State University.

Bob was instrumental in the growth of the powdered metal industry in the region.  In 1972, he founded Exotic Metals and served as President until the early 1990s.  He earned the Distinguished Service to Powdered Metallurgy by the Powdered Metal Industry Federation in 2005. 

Bob served multiple terms as mayor for both the Borough of Ridgway and the City of St. Marys.  Among other accomplishments, Bob led the effort to have the Boot Jack by-pass built after numerous tractor trailer accidents in Ridgway.  He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Elk County Underwater Recovery and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.  He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed both fishing and hunting, as well as an avid Penn State University football fan.

On May 28, 1989, in Hawaii, Bob married Margaret A. “Peggy” Jackson, who survives.  They were blessed to share 34 years of marriage.

He is also survived by his son, Dean S. Howard (Chrissy) of Greensburg; three step-daughters: Jennifer Myers (Dave) of Union City, Amy Provenzo (Curt) of Fairport, NY, and Anne Jackson (Shawn Anthony) of St. Marys; 10 grandchildren: Maggie Howard, Lauren Howard, Cameron Howard, Alec Myers, Brooke Myers, Claire Provenzo, Jackson Provenzo, Michael Provenzo, Carter Redmond, and Landyn Anthony; one great-grandson, Sullivan Howard; two nephews; and by two sisters-in-law: Mary Kay Votano of Houston, TX and Betsy Olmstead of Smethport.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his son, Donald Howard, and by his brother, Fred Howard.

A funeral service will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home at a later date and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Snyder Memorial Health Care Center, 156 Snyder Memorial Road, Marienville, PA  16239.

The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.