Obituary of Robert E. Howell

Robert Emerson Howell, the son of Alfred Emerson Howell and Marie Stover-Howell died on March 12, 2024 at his home in Prompton, PA. Robert was a brother of Alfred Howell and the late Walter Howell and Jane Wacker. He is survived by his wife Joan and a loving family. He was a resident of Northeast Pennsylvania for nearly his entire lifetime. Mr. Howell was born October 21, 1944 to Alfred Emerson Howell, a Honesdale lawyer for many years, and Marie Stover-Howell, a teacher. Bob graduated from Honesdale High School in 1962. He then attended a 5 year pharmacy program at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science earning his bachelors of science in pharmacy. After passing the State Board exams, he began his career as an assistant manager for Rea & Derick drug store in Lewisburg, PA where he and his first wife and newly born daughter spent two years before returning to Honesdale and transferring his job to the Carbondale location. From there Robert accepted a job at Wayne Memorial Hospital and was tasked with forming and operating the first pharmacy department for the hospital. There he led the department by adding the first IV additive program, medication unit-dose program and daily filling of medications for the patients. Upon leaving, that department grew to two additional pharmacists and three technicians backed by first-generation computer power. The hospital next asked Mr. Howell to build a for profit addition for the organization and Wayne Health Equipment was born. They sold and rented medical equipment and further evolved by opening the Narrowsburg Pharmacy in Narrowsburg, NY. After this part of his journey was complete he left the hospital as an employee and became a tenant by opening his own retail pharmacy, Medicine And Things. This store led into becoming a Medicine Shoppe franchise that he ran until retiring in 2012. During the time of running his own business he used online learning to obtain a Doctor of Naturopathy Diploma from Clayton College of Natural Health. He enjoyed speaking with his customers and adding natural products to their lives giving them the best health they could have. When Bob wasn't busy with pharmacy, he enjoyed his lifelong getaway at Elk Lake. His great grandfather built a cottage there in the 1920's. Swimming, boating, fishing and the conversations on the front yards of the neighborhood put a smile on his face. Through the years Bob enjoyed skiing locally and many family ski trips to various destinations. He also enjoyed the occasional fishing outing and the comradery that goes along with them. Woodworking would also occupy his time making various items from tables to clever storage spaces. As a younger man he spent some time in the woods hunting, that part didn't really stick though, as he hadn't gone in some time. In retirement he purchased land in Dyberry and put up a small cabin. He said he liked seeing the wildlife there and working with his tractor and other equipment. Mr. Howell was surrounded by a loving family. He had two children with his first wife, Mae Megivern Howell. They are Renee' Fawn Bergmann and Robert Emerson Richard Howell. He added two stepchildren with his marriage to Joan. They are Krista Kowalczyk (husband Scott) and Amy Foley (husband Chris). He was also adored by his grandchildren Wesly Foley, Gabby Foley, Elise Foley, Olivia Shears and Danielle Bergmann. The Family will receive friends on Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home, 1228 Main St., Honesdale, PA. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Lloyd Canfield officiating. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Dessin Society, 138 Miller Dr., Honesdale, PA, to help keep out animal friends alive and well.