Howard W. Budge

GUILDERLAND – Howard W. Budge, 89, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at his home.

Born in Schenectady on February 2, 1924 he was the son of the late William and Ellen (Merritt) Budge. He graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1942 and was employed by the General Electric Company for 40 years before retiring in 1982. He was a lifelong member of Faith United Methodist Church and the Schenectady Bowling Association. He was an avid fisherman and hunter.

A combat veteran of World War II, he landed in Normandy with the 751st Field Artillery Battalion. A recipient of the Croix de Guerre, and the invasion medal from the French Government, and the European Theater Medal with four battle stars for participating in the Battles of Normandy, Ardennes, Bulge and the Rhineland. His unit received the Presidential Unit Citation.

Howard is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Irene Poirier Budge; his twin brother, Harold J. Budge of Schenectady and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Pearce and John Budge and his sisters, Evelyn Hicks and Lucile Burns.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A calling hour will precede the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens in Colonie.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Community Hospice of Albany, especially to Alice Baker, Joe Bouck and Diana Rosen and to the aides, Brittany Collins and Grelana Phillips for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 811 Brandywine Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12308 in memory of Howard W. Budge.