Roland C. Howell

Roland C. Howell, Jr., of Medina, NY died peacefully on January 28, 2026, following a brief hospitalization. He had enjoyed an extraordinarily long and happy life.

He was born on March 24, 1928, to the late Roland C. Howell, Sr. and Lucille (Crisp) Howell in Medina. After graduating from Medina High School in the Class of 1946, Roland attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 1950 with a degree in forestry. He was drafted into the Army following graduation. He taught radar maintenance and rose to the rank of Sergeant. In 1955 Roland married the exceptionally lovely Jean Grehlinger of Lyndonville. He then went on to earn his M.B.A. from the University of Buffalo in 1957.

Mr. Howell was a third-generation employee of the S.A. Cook & Co. Furniture Company, ultimately becoming Vice President of Manufacturing. He retired when the factory closed in 1985. Mr. Howell served on the Medina Memorial Hospital Board of Directors for many years and served as board president during its expansion. He was also a board member and past president of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library Board of Trustees. Roland was also a strong supporter of Hospice of Orleans as well.

In his younger years, Roland was an avid sailor on Lake Ontario. In 2023, Mr. Howell published a book “Some Short Stories.” In addition, he was a passionate wine maker. A Pinot Noir, which he made from homegrown grapes, was awarded two silver medals at the New York State Fair. He was a longtime active parishioner of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina. Roland loved Dixieland jazz and played the coronet every night, well into his 90’s.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Jean Howell in 2013; and his daughter, Claudia Howell Allivato in 2018. He is survived by his son, Peter Howell.

Immense gratitude is extended to his caregivers, Wendy Brown, Karen McMullen and the McMullen family for their years of dedicated and compassionate care.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 6 from 5:00-7:00PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Interment in Boxwood Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Memorials in Roland’s name may be made to the Orleans Community Health Foundation, 200 Ohio St., Medina or to the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave., Medina.