Obituary of Howard W. Rosekrans, Jr.

Howard W. Rosekrans Jr., age 71 of Pleasantdale, NY passed away on July 16, 2014 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with rectal cancer with metastasis. He was born on November 30, 1942 in Troy, NY, the son of the late Howard W. Rosekrans Sr., and the late Mary Patrosh Rosekrans, also he was the stepson of the late Martha Dorsey Rosekrans. Howard attended the former St. Patrick's Grammar School, Watervliet, NY. He attended CCHS for 3 years and graduated from Watervliet High School, class of 1960. Howard entered the US Navy in April 1961. After basic training in Great Lakes Naval Center he attended Radioman School, Bainbridge, MD. He served aboard the USS John W. Weeks DD 701 out of Norfolk, VA. He was discharged Feb. 1965. He was an auto mechanic working at various dealerships before operating his own shop. He and his wife owned and operated H&J Arco Station on Broadway in Watervliet, NY. He also owned and operated Menands Auto Repairs in Albany, NY until his retirement. After retiring from the auto repair business he pursed his passion of woodworking and nature. He along with his wife owned and operated Bird on the Wire in North Troy, NY selling wild bird seed, bird houses, bird feeders and accessories. Special thanks to Diana, Ronda, and Jeff in operating the business during his illness. He enjoyed gardening. He was proud of his flower beds and vegetable gardens. He enjoyed sitting on his deck bird watching, family gatherings, and visits to Saratoga Race Track and Casino. Howard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Agnes (Mickey) Farmer Rosekrans Troy, NY. His children, Maria (Sal) Morley Latham, NY, Christine (Tony) Melite Jr. Clifton Park, NY, Diana (William) Moll Cohoes, NY, Jill (David) Moll Troy, NY, Jeffrey (Ronda) Rosekrans Melrose, NY. Also survived by his nine wonderful grandchildren, Emily, Sam Morley, Zachary, Kayleigh, Jacob, Joseph, and Anna Melite, Adam and Olivia Moll. His sister Rose (Chris) Adams, and nieces Amanda and Anna of Ashland, OR., sister Janice (Mike) of Watervliet, NY. Loving and caring sisters and brother in-laws Pat (late William) Minehan Troy, NY, Roberta (late Jerry) Fifield Palm Bay, FL, Dawn (Jerry) Carlos Palm Bay, FL, Benjamin (Mary Theresa) Farmer North Greenbush, NY, and the late Robert Farmer Jr. whom they shared many family gatherings, holidays, and good times. Also survived by his canine buddies Rocky and Rascal, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Nancy Marie Rosekrans and infant brother. In keeping with Howard's wishes there will not be services to the public, there will be private inurnment will be at Saratoga National Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Dr. Ragina Resta of NYOH, and the staff of Rensselaer County Hospice. Also, Father Fritz of St. Augustine Parish, Troy, NY. Donations may be made in the memory of Howard W. Rosekrans, Jr. to the Menands Humane Society, 4 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY. DONATIONS Donations may be made in the memory of Howard W. Rosekrans, Jr. to: the Menands Humane Society, 4 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY. SERVICES Services will be Private Howard will be laid to rest with military honors at Saratoga National Cemetery.