Obituary of Howard Sitterly

Mr. Howard “Sonny” Sitterly, 81, of Sunset Drive, Fort Plain, New York passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Albany Medical Center Hospital, following a long illness, with his loving family by his side, as they were throughout his stay at the hospital.

Born on October 17, 1936 in Canajoharie, NY, he was the son of Howard and Marion Sitterly.   He was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, Class of 1954 and of Auburn Community College, Class of 1961.  He was a resident of Fort Plain for the past 3 years, previously residing in Canajoharie for 42 years.

Mr. Sitterly started his career with the former Central National Bank in Canajoharie in the Security Department, a position he held for 15 years.  Sonny then went to Fleet Bank in Amsterdam, where he was a State Tax Process Supervisor.  Following his retirement, Sonny worked for Access Transportation part-time for 9 years.

He is a veteran of the US Army, serving from 1954-57, obtaining the rank of SP-3.

Mr. Sitterly was a member of St. John’s & St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Canajoharie.

Sonny competed musically with both the Koble-Aires and Executives Drum Corps.  He was a past Elk’s member.  He was athletic and enjoyed many sports with his wife including golf, tennis, water skiing, cross country skiing, and camping.

On September 22, 1962 at St. John’s & St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Howard was married to Joyce A. Scarrone.  Together they celebrated 55 years of marriage.

In addition to his parents, Sonny is predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Delores and Harold Schumacher; and sister-in-law, Gerry Sitterly.

Sonny, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and a humble man who always put his family before himself leaves behind his wife, Joyce Sitterly of Fort Plain, NY; sons, Jeffrey H. Sitterly and Darcie of Ballston Spa, NY, Todd M. Sitterly and Karen of Niskayuna, NY; brother, Edward Sitterly of Fort Plain, NY; adored by his 4 grandchildren, Kayla and Emma Sitterly of Ballston Spa, NY, Ryan and Laura Kate Sitterly of Niskayuna, NY; sister-in-law, Carol Quackenbush and Lew of Fort Plain, NY; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, January 27,2018 from 10:00-11:00am at Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY. A memorial service at the Chapel will be held immediately following at 11:00AM with Military Honors provided by Active Duty Army.  

Contributions in memory of Mr. Howard Sitterly may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Program-F, 501 St. Jude Place, TN 38105-1905 or to The Community Health Center of Johnstown, 2-8 W Main Street, Johnstown, NY 12095.