Howard J. Botbyl

Howard J. Botbyl passed peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 13, 2025. He joined his beautiful wife, Marion, in Heaven, where they are holding hands once again.

Howard was born to his parents, Abram Botbyl & Frances Boos at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Wayne and never left town.  Especially once he met the love of his life, Ms. Marion Downer.  They courted for a short time before Howard decided to enlist and join all 7 of his brothers who were serving in the US Army.  On September 28th, 1954, at the young age of 18, Howard left before graduating High School and would serve in Germany.  Marion waited patiently for his return, and soon they were reunited.  On February 1, 1958, Howard & Marion shared their vows, and were together for the next 65 years, before Marion’s passing.  Even though Howard went to serve before graduating High School, in 1979 he was awarded his diploma by the United States Congress, acknowledging his life accomplishments in both the US Army, and his career.

Howard learned the craft of masonry from his father Abram, his brothers, and friends who worked with each other for many years.  He celebrated 50 years of service with the BACNJ Local #4 in Fairfield, NJ, and retired soon after. His specialty was curved structures, with glass block.  Everyone wanted Howard to create magic with their buildings, and that is what he did.

One of the biggest successes of Howards life, was creating the Red Barn Hunting Club.  He identified a piece of property near where he and his brothers hunted, and soon it was theirs.  At first, the only structure they could afford for his family of 12, was a two-room barn.  The main room was all bunk beds, and the smaller room a kitchen.  No running water, and no electric, but they didn’t care.  That mountain, and that barn, has created so many memories for him and his family, and today, still does for the extended family of nearly 300!  The Red Barn is a legacy for the entire Botbyl family to enjoy.  A retreat that sits high up on a mountain overlooking the entire Catskill Mountain range, today with more homes, and yes, electric and running water!  The Red Barn still stands, and if those walls could talk.. the story’s they would tell.  All thanks, to Howard who found the property, and his brothers & sisters who brought that mountain to life.

Howard is survived by his four children: Howard, and his wife Sharon Botbyl of Westbrookville, NY.  Cindy Kelly & Ronnie Lenoir of Butler, NJ.  Timothy and his wife Linda Botbyl of Westbrookville, NY, and Christine and her husband Billy Struble of Newton, NJ.  Howard was blessed with 10 Grandchildren: Justin, Jessica, Tim, Kyle, James, Rebecca, Emily, Ryan, Robert and Randall, as well as 9 Great Grandchildren: Kaylee, Joey, Bently, Hunter, Alexis, Peter, Ronnie, Madelyn & Millie.