J. Howard McIsaac

J. Howard McIsaac, 104

Troy - J. Howard McIsaac, 104, prominent area attorney, died Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center in Troy.

Born on January 26, 1903 in Pittsburgh, PA. His father was the Reverend John Brown McIsaac who was Pastor of various churches in the Pittsburgh area. His mother was Matilda Belle Murphy McIsaac. Howard had a younger brother George and a younger sister Helen. The family moved to Troy, in 1919 when Rev. J. B. McIsaac was offered the Pastorate of a Presbyterian Church in Troy.

J. Howard McIsaac graduated from Troy High School in 1921 and Albany Law School in 1925. He began working in 1927 as an assistant lawyer in the office of Frederick E. Draper. In 1928, Howard began practicing law in the office of John P. Weatherwax.

In 1930, Howard married Charlotte M. Ashton and they resided on Seventh Avenue in Troy. In the mid-30's they moved to Pinewoods Avenue and in 1945 moved to Elmgrove Avenue.

In 1941, Howard and his brother George opened their own law firm at 17 First Street, Troy, NY. In 1975, Robert Johnson joined the firm and it was renamed McIsaac, McIsaac, and Johnson. In the 1980's George retired from the law practice due to illness. Howard and Robert Johnson joined the firm of Martin, Shudt, Wallace, DiLorenzo and Copps. Howard became "Of Counsel" and Robert became a member of the firm. Howard retired from the firm in 1995 at the age of 92. It was believed he was the oldest practicing Attorney in Rensselaer County and perhaps New York State.

Howard became a member in 1925 of Apollo Lodge #13 F&AM (now Apollo-King Solomon's Masonic Lodge) and was Master of the Lodge in 1939. He maintained his membership for 82 years. Howard was an Elder and a Trustee at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (now First United Presbyterian Church of Troy). He was a Treasurer at the former Presbyterian Home and a long time member of the Board of Trustees. He was the oldest member of the Rensselaer County Bar and the New York State Bar Associations.

He leaves three children, John H. and Donald A. McIsaac both of Troy and Nancy M. Shaw (Richard F.) of North Attleborough ,MA.; three grandchildren, Jeffery J. Shaw, Kristen L. Shaw and Michael A. Shaw (Pascale). He is predeceased by his brother, George, and sister, Helen.

Funeral service will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM at First United Presbyterian Church of Troy 1915 Fifth Avenue Troy, NY 12180 with Rev. Alexandra Lusak, officiating.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy Friday, from 4-8 PM. Members of Apollo-King Solomon's Masonic Lodge will conduct services at 7pm at the funeral home.

Interment Oakwood Cemetery in Troy.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of J. Howard McIsaac to the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center 2256 Burdett Avenue Troy, NY 12180 or the First United Presbyterian Church of Troy 1915 Fifth Avenue Troy, NY 12180.

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