Howard A. Wilcox

Sunday, May 21, 2023, Howard A. Wilcox, patriarch of Wilcox Ice Cream, died suddenly of a heart attack in Albany Medical Center. Howard was surrounded by his loving family. Howard was born in Bennington on October 13, 1942, to Howard E. and Dorothy (Markey) Wilcox of Manchester. Howard attended elementary schools in Manchester and was a graduate of Burr and Burton in 1960. He attended the University of Vermont and graduated in 1966 with a degree in Animal Science. Howard married the love of his life, Sandra Hill, on June 18, 1966. They enjoyed almost 57 years together. Howard and Sandra had three children, Craig, Christina, and Jonathan. Howard grew his family from humble beginnings from his father’s grandfather and great-grandfather’s dairy business. He and his brother Gerald following in their father’s footsteps. Howard was the 4th generation to make Wilcox Ice Cream. Following a tragic fire that destroyed the manufacturing facility and farming operation the Wilcox family arose like a phoenix from the ashes and formed a bond with his children bringing the company forward anew to East Arlington, VT with a new factory. Howard was the Director of all Wilcox Ice Cream products. He was a flavor master and took great pride in making delicious ice cream and frozen desserts. Howard was a family-oriented person who loved to laugh, tell jokes and spend time with his family and friends. He had a vivacious personality and sharp mind. He had a profound impact on everyone he met. He loved his family, friends, and his team at Wilcox. He loved his Saturday morning tag sales, collection of baseball cards and tin soldiers. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandra; his children; Craig Wilcox and his wife, Deborah Haynes; his daughter, Christina Wilcox and her partner Mark Driscoll; his son Jonathan Wilcox and his wife Frankie. He has 7 grandchildren, Gavin Wilcox, Emily Owens, her partner Mike Bazan, Eric Owens, Owen Wilcox, Cole Wilcox, Taylor Wilcox, Dylan Wilcox and three great-grandchildren, Will Walker, Ruby Rhae Bazan, and Adeline Wilcox. He is previously deceased by his grandson Austin Wilcox who passed away on December 15, 2022. Howard will be laid to rest next to Austin at Ira Allen Cemetery in Sunderland, VT. He is also survived by brothers, Ronald and Gerald and a sister, Marcia Robair, brother and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 26th from 4-7 PM at the Brewster-Shea Funeral Home in Manchester. A funeral service will be held at Christ Our Savior (St. Paul’s) Catholic Church on Bonnet Street in Manchester, VT on Saturday, May 27th at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Ira Allen Cemetery in Sunderland, VT. A celebration with food, ice cream music and more will follow the graveside service at the Lions Pavilion at Arlington Rec Park. Those not wishing to attend the graveside service are encouraged to go directly to Arlington Rec Park following the church service. Attendees of the celebration at the park are also encouraged to bring chairs. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Mahar Funeral Home. If there was any doubt before. Let us all know for sure, there must be ice cream in Heaven, because God called Howard Wilcox home. Should friends desire contributions in Howard’s memory may be made to the Manchester Historical Society or local rescue squads through the office of the Mahar Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201.