Richfield Springs - Howard D. Bingham, 70, of Richfield Springs, NY, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY, on September 12, 2001, following several health related setbacks in recent months. Despite the valiant efforts of the Richfield Springs Emergency Squad and the efficiency of staff members of the Bassett Emergency Department in implementing all possible measures to save him, it was not to be. Howard was born and raised in Floyd, NY, the son of the late Jesse and Florence Bingham. He was educated in Holland Patent schools, where he took special interest in business, mechanical drawing and agriculture courses. He was a member of the Floyd Methodist Church until moving to Richfield Springs after his marriage to the former Elizabeth S. Chenel in 1966. The devoted couple spent many happy hours together and commuted daily between their home and their work at the Utica Psychiatric Center where they were both employed until their retirement in 1990. Howard spent his earlier years working on his family's dairy farm, taking pride in his personal herd of cattle. He started his career with the New York State Department of Mental Health at the then Rome State School where he worked for several years before qualifying for the position of Safety Officer at the Utica State Hospital, retiring after a total of more than 35 years years with the Office of Mental Health. He was the first safety officer from Utica to attend the Safety Officers Training Academy in Manhattan in 1967. He was a charter member of the Floyd Volunteer Fire Company and it proved to be a prelude to his career as a safety officer. He was also a charter member of Council 82, Chapter 1790, of the Safety Officers Union and his membership continues to date. In addition, he was a charter member of the New York State Sheriff's Association, which membership is also current. He was a past member of CSEA and AARP. Howard was a stock car racing fan and at one time participant in the sport. He also was an airplane buff who took several hours of flying instruction at an early age at the Utica School of Aviation. He enjoyed reading, travel and visiting with his family and friends. He was a news oriented person who closely followed current events through magazines, newspapers and television. He was known to have watched up to four news programs a day. He also enjoyed all things mechanical and spent many happy hours in his small workshop. A friendly man by nature, he would go out of his way to be helpful to anyone who appeared to be in distress or need. He was an optimist who loved to laugh and joke with friends, family and co-workers. Many times, of a winter's day (or evening) at work, he would clear a windshield of snow or start a car for a fellow worker as a token of friendship and kindness, as his nature dictated. Howard is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth; a step-daughter, Jeanne Goldsmith and her husband, George, of Latham; a stepson, Thomas Chenel and his wife, Mary Jo, of Richfield Springs; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Thomas and Jennie Sharpe, of Marcy, NY; seven grandchildren (of whom he was especially proud); two great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a sister-in-law, Madeline Bingham, of Floyd. He also leaves behind many friends, including a special family friend, Colleen Tierney, of Rome, NY. He was predeceased by a brother, Willard; two sisters, Elizabeth and Ada Mae; and his parents. Howard was much loved by his family and friends and will be sorely missed by all for his friendliness, enthusiasm and generosity. The family would like to express their appreciation to the Richfield Springs Emergency Squad, the Bassett Hospital Emergency Room staff and the floor personnel on Bassett's 2nd floor evening and night shifts for their kindness and efficiency. Special thanks to Dr. Carol Beechy of Bassett for her concern and assistance. Funeral service on Saturday evening at 8:30 p.m. in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 W. James St., Richfield Springs. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Richfield Springs Emergency Rescue Squad or the charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.