Ltc.(ret) Howard J. Hurst II of Saugerties, formerly of West Babylon, Long Island, New York, passed away peacefully in his home in the arms of his sons and surrounded by his loving family on January 15, 2019. Col. Hurst is survived by his wife, Irene Rivera Hurst, his daughter, Elizabeth Irene Hurst (Ross Blair of Aberdeen, Scotland) in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and his sons Howard J. Hurst Jr. III (Judy Roberts) in Kauai, Hawaii, and William A. Hurst (Pamela Hadad) in Delmar, New York and four grandchildren, Baxter Hurst-Blair, Dixie'drea Hurst-Blair, Gavin A. Hurst and Callum J. Hurst. He is predeceased by his daughter, Andrea Hurst O'Connor and brother-in-law Wilfredo Rivera. His surviving extended family includes two loving brothers-in-law and their wives, a loving sister-in-law, family members in Scotland and many close relatives, friends and military companions from all over the United States - in particular his lifelong comrade, James J Lucas.

Howard served his country in the United States Army from 1960-1998, working his way up the ranks from Recruit to Master Aviator. The bulk of his career was spent with the 42d Aviation Battalion of New York, flying UH-1 helicopters. Subsequent to his retirement from the military, he re-trained to become a New York State Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. He counseled out-patient clients at South Oaks Hospital on Long Island. He became a Counselor Emeritus in 2014. Howard embodied the American immigrant spirit of his Irish and Swiss ancestors; his values of a steadfast work ethic, a family first ideology and a joy for life punctuated his nearly Eighty-one years.

Col. Hurst and his wife, Irene chose to retire to Saugerties in 2008 as they associated the community with wonderful memories of camping at what was then North Lake Campsite with their four young children. While living in Saugerties, he taught the New York State Safe Driver course monthly at the Saugerties Library until ill health forced him to retire completely.

Friends will be received at Buono Funeral Service, Inc, 100 Main Street in Saugerties on Friday, January 18 from 2-4 and 7-9. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Snow Roman Catholic Church, Post and Cedar Streets in Saugerties on Saturday, January 19, at 2p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Saugerties Animal Shelter in Howard's name at 1765 Rt. 212, Saugerties, NY.