Howard Eldon Plank

Howard Eldon Plank

May 21, 1942 – December 14, 2024

HORNELL – Howard E. Plank, 82, passed away on Saturday December 14, 2024 after a long illness while at the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio.

He was the son of Neola & LeRoy Plank. Howard joined the Army in 1959 and served in Puerto Rico and was a member of the military police. Upon returning home he worked for the railroad and then joined the Hornell Police Department on February 21, 1964, and retired as a Sergeant on April 6, 1987. He later was elected as Hornellsville Town Justice which he served as for 24 years.

Howard was a member of the Maple City Horseshoe League, as well as two bowling leagues, he also enjoyed golfing and had two memorable hole-in-ones! He could never pass up a good deal and was often seen around town at yard sales! His fondest memories were joining his “coffee gang” in the early mornings behind the Village Cafe.

He was a kind, generous, and gentle person who enjoyed spending time with his family. Howard’s second home was on a cruise ship, he sailed the seas 28 times.

Howard was predeceased by his parents and six siblings. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Peggy Lynn (Swackhamer) who lovingly cared for him through 4+ years of medical struggles which culminated with his death; three sons, Richard (Karen) of Palm Bay, Florda, Jason of Jamestown, NY and Jeffrey of Orlando, Florida, and one daughter, Laura (David) Giles of Alfred Station, NY. He is also survived by several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Calling hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 20, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Howard’s military service.

Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at Hillside Baptist Church, 805 County Route 66, Hornell where a funeral service, with military honors, will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 21, 2024) with Pastor Craig Brittingham officiating. THE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ANY MAY BE SEEN EITHER ON THE HOMEPAGE OF www.bishopdesanto.com OR ON THE FACEBOOK PAGE OF BISHOP-JOHNSON & DeSANTO FUNERAL HOME FOR 30 days beginning at 1 P.M. SATURDAY (DEC. 21, 2024). Interment will be in Bath National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to Hillside Baptist Church, 805 County Route 66, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Howard’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Howard are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.