Howard T. Wendel, 68 of the Town of Niagara, passed away on October 1, 2016 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Born in Hazleton, PA he was the son of the late August and Anna (Balascik) Wendel.

Howard was raised and educated in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Hazleton High School in 1966. He served in the United States Army and National Guard and Honorably Discharged after 17 years of service. Howard moved to the Niagara Falls area in 1972, and on October 14, 1972 married his loving wife, Theresa E. 'Tess' (Lundy) Wendel. Mrs. Wendel predeceased him on June 26, 2007. For thirty years, Howard was employed at Harrison Radiator/Delphi Thermal Company retiring in 2002. He was a member of the American Legion Cadille Post 1664, AARP and St. Vincent De Paul Parish. Howard was a wonderful cook. He enjoyed camping, traveling, the outdoors, attending cultural events and his beloved cat, Misty. Above all, Howard was a kind, loving and helpful individual who was loved by everyone who came to know him. He will be especially remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit and notorious jokes.

Mr. Wendel is survived by his four children, Leslie (Gerald) Thomason, Howard T. (Teresa) Wendel, II, Theresa Cusatis, Edward A. Cusatis, and was predeceased by two sons, Angelo Cusatis and Ralph Cusatis. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Roxanne, Rosalie, Andrea, Angelo, Rhiannon, Joseph, Deanna, Faith, Jason and Travis, 9 great-grandchildren, Ciara, Donny, Victor, A.J., Blake, Ayden, Liam, Joella and Jace, daughters-in-law, Yvonne Cusatis and Claire Cusatis, one sister Joan (late Ernest) Kubereit and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by one sister Jean Wendel and brother Russell Wendel.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent De Paul Parish at St. Leo's Church 2748 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY. Interment with Military Honors in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Road Niagara Falls, NY 14304.