Saratoga Springs, NY - Robert Frederick Howard, Sr. of Catherine St. passed away Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital. He was 71. Born on April 19, 1937 in Saratoga Springs, Robert was a lifelong area resident and the son of the late Mildred Howard Brooks. He was married Oct. 29, 1966 to the former Joanne Lake. Robert worked for the Dept. of Transportation in Waterford installing and repairing traffic lights. He was an avid sports fan and his favorite teams were the NY Jets, NY Giants and the NY Yankees. Robert was also a big fan of NASCAR. One of his favorites past times was tending to his roses in his garden. Robert was of the Episcopal faith. In addition to his wife Joanne, survivors include his daughter, Laneen Peck and her husband Benjamin of Greenwich; his son, Robert Frederick Howard, Jr. and his wife Terry of Glens Falls; two grandchildren, Dylan James Howard and Hannah Faith Howard both of Saratoga Springs and several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no public calling hours and burial will be in the spring at Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Northeastern NY, Inc., 23 Computer Dr. East, Albany, NY 12205 or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).