Obituary of Howard Stage II

Howard E. Stage II "Howie" Elmira: Age 64, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, May 26, 2012. Howie was born in Elmira on June 13, 1947, son of the late Howard E. and Emma (Rouse) Stage. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Elizabeth "Liz" Eckman Stage; children with their families, Kim A. and Corey Bourgeois, Horseheads and children, Bailey and Molly; Lenny J. and Michelle Stage, Elmira and son Sean; Kelley E. and Thomas Clayton, Elmira and children, Charlie and Cullen of Elmira; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sally and Richard Lincoln, Pine City; Cindy and Bob Evans, Horseheads, Joy and Pat Bermingham, Elmira; brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Diane Stage, Horseheads; aunt Margaret Rouse, Cortland NY; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lynn and Bob Hamlin, Sunset Beach NC; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and canine companions, Rufus, Duncan and Rosie. Howie was predeceased by several aunts and uncles, including his beloved aunt Bett. As a youth Howie was active in Boy Scouts and received the Boy Scouts of America God and Country Award. He was a graduate of Southside High School and New York State Ranger School at Syracuse University. Howie was employed for 34 years with the Elmira Water Board, retiring in 2002 as supervisor of the Meter Department. Active in local youth sports programs he served on the board of Southport Recreation for many years and was a former board president, coached both football and baseball for Southport Recreation, was a coach with Elmira Small Fry, and coached Prep League baseball for post high school players. Howie had a passion for football and was a high school referee for over 20 years. He was an avid fan of the New York Giants, Yankees, Rangers, Knicks and Syracuse University sports. He truly loved and supported any sports activity involving his grandchildren. Howie loved to cook and had extraordinary culinary skills. He enjoyed working with his hands and was a skilled woodworker. The West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department was a huge part of Howie's life. Over the years he was involved in nearly every facet of the department, was the fire chief for 12 years and was currently a fire commissioner. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of W. Water and Walnut Streets, on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held there on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. followed by committal prayers and interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Donations in Howie's memory may be directed to the West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department, 1299 W. Water St., Elmira NY 14905 or the Chemung County S.P.C.A., Route 352, Elmira NY 14903. Howie had an opinion on everything, was glad to share it with you, he was usually right … and would tell you so!