Obituary of Howard C Lustgarten

Howard C. Lustgarten, of Endicott, died peacefully at home on Tuesday September 7 after surviving laryngeal cancer for more than 30 years. His mastery of esophageal speech and positive outlook were an inspiration to speech pathologists and fellow laryngectomees both at conventions and in the classroom. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Howard grew up on Long Island before joining the United States Army where he served as a Seaman stationed in Puerto Rico and in the Panama Canal Zone. After the service, Howard followed his talent for electronics, working on Wall Street for Friden Calculators as well as helping with the family tree nursery before moving to the Triple Cities area, where Howard worked at Broome Community College and owned the New Senate Hotel tavern in Binghamton. A licensed electrician, he finished his career educating the next generation of electricians at Broome BOCES. A member of the Union Presbyterian Church, American Cancer Society, and American Legion Post 82, Howard was well known for his sparkling wit and eccentric hobbies, which included a passion for building tube amplifiers, tuning motorcycles, and collecting antique flashlights and player pianos — the latter of which could often be heard playing in his West Endicott neighborhood. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Barbara, as well as children Craig and wife Maureen Hoffman, Erik and wife Tracy Lustgarten, Kurt and wife Kirsten Lustgarten, daughter Gayle Leggio, grandchildren Trace and Zari, and many nieces and nephews including Rhonda West, Renata Czebiniak, and Roman and wife Andrea Lewkowicz. Calling hours will be held at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, 300 East Main Street, Endicott, on September 17 from 5-7 pm, and the funeral service will be at the Union Presbyterian Church, 200 East Main Street, Endicott, on Saturday September 18 at 10am. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Endicott, with full military honors. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Denise from Lourdes Hospice and to Renata Czebiniak for their care during Howard's illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Howard's name to the Union Presbyterian Church Cemetery fund.