Howard L. "Lea" Boatwright III

Howard L. Boatwright III “LEA“, son of the late Howard and Helen Boatwright, passed peacefully on January 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. 

He grew up in New Haven, CT and attended S.U. School of Art. In 1967, he enlisted in the US Army and graduated from officer candidate school at Fort Benning, GA. He served in Army intelligence with MACV team 28 in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, where he was promoted to First Lieutenant.

Lea pursued his interest in art, owned a picture framing business, and designed homes, including a solar energy envelope home in Fayetteville. A lifelong passion for boats had him cruising the 1000 Islands, NY waterways and in Asia, Europe, and the West Indies. He worked in the boating industry in Syracuse and Annapolis, MD and recently retired from the Scolaro law firm. 

Lea passed on his culinary skills, including magnificent dishes created from leftovers. His grandchildren cherish their time spent with “POPPY in his art studio, creating projects for every holiday and special occasion. He loved cheering on SU and NY Giants games, patiently teaching the rules along the way. Adventures with him included exploring charts, maps, and globes while “charting a course.“ He was always there for his children and grandchildren, volunteering for school presentations and projects, teaching them how to cook meals, polish shoes, sew, ride a bike and drive a car. In recent years he enjoyed singing with the Harmony Katz.

Lea and Patri traveled through Alaska, Canada, and Europe, always seeking out scenic train rides. He shared this love by building a train display with his grandchildren. A gifted conversationalist and attentive listener, Lea could engage thoughtfully on any topic.

 He is survived by his loving life partner Patri Kotz Welch, his children Brian (Becki), Julie, and Chad (Ashley) Welch; his grandchildren Crystal, Cierra, Addison, Sawyer and Kai; his sister, Alice, his brother David, and extended Boatwright and Strassburger family members; and many dear friends made over the years, including the family’s 39-year-old support bear, Huggy.

Lea is remembered with great love and affection as an officer and a gentleman, a brave soldier, Boatie, Whobody, Mr. Mom and POPPY. 

Thank you for your service, guidance, love, life lessons, wisdom, advice, and you’re unforgettable hugs.

A celebration of Lea’s life will be held at the Fayetteville Cemetery on June 13, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clear Path for Veterans.

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