Royal C. Howard

Royal C. Howard, 83, of Haines City, FL, passed away on June 15, 2025, at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

He was born on September 1, 1941, in Bennington, Vermont, to Edwin and Lucina Sanders Howard. During his early years, he lived on a small dairy farm on Ore Bed Road in Hoosick, New York. Royal graduated from Hoosick Falls Central School in 1960 and later attended Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY, as a part-time student focusing on police studies. He served in the National Guard from 1960 to 1968, where he held the rank of Sergeant and specialized as a tank gunner and in armored weapons. In 1965, Royal began his career with the Hoosick Falls Police Department, where he worked with dedication until his retirement in 2000—rising through the ranks to become Chief of Police. In September 2000, he relocated to Florida from Hoosick Falls. After moving to Florida, Royal began working at Walt Disney World as part of the security team, serving for several years on motor patrol. He was of the Catholic faith.

Royal found great joy in spending time with his family and was passionate about the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and target shooting.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Sharon Howard; and eight siblings. He is survived by his two daughters, Michelle Doto and Renee (John) Lawrence; four grandchildren, Josh Howard, Emmanuel Doto, Justin Halloran, and Christopher Halloran; and two great-grandchildren, Teodora and Harper Halloran.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City. The family will begin receiving friends at 12:30 p.m.