LOWVILLE – Ricky Allen Harwood, 70, a resident of the Stowe Street Arc home, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Ricky was born January 7, 1956 in Malone, New York, a son of the late Helen and Donald Harwood. Ricky grew up in Rome Developmental Center where he resided until joining the Tebsherany Family Care Home in 1983. In October 1984, Ricky and his best friend Alex Cohen moved into the Colwell Family Care Home, becoming extended family to Ava, Randy and sons, Bill and Peter for over 38 years.

Ricky attended the sheltered workshop on Forest Avenue in Lowville for many years. Upon retiring from there, Ricky enjoyed the variety of outings and volunteer opportunities at the Stowe Street Day Hab. He particularly enjoyed volunteering at local nursing home, bowling every week at Lewis Lanes, and Wii bowling.

Ricky was a member of the Bethel Church of the Nazarene. He participated in Sunday school, monthly services at the nursing home, and in weekly Good News Club, held in Lowville School. Ricky especially loved Christian music, singing with passion. He enjoyed opportunities to sing, “Jesus Loves Me”

Ricky enjoyed volunteering at the Lowville Food Pantry Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Tops with the Arc and Ava, every November and December. Most summers Ricky enjoyed going to Delta Lake Bible Camp.

In February 2023, Ricky moved into the Hirschey Family Care Home, where he lived until November 2025. He was living with friends at Stowe Street Arc when he became ill the end of January.

Ricky is survived by Ava and Bill Colwell of Lowville, his caregivers, Lace and Tim Hirschey and daughters of Crestview Drive, Lowville, and his family at Stowe Street Arc Home.

Ricky is predeceased by his parents Helen and Donald Harwood and brother, Ronnie, also by his caregiver, Randy Colwell and son, Peter, and by his best friend, Alex Cohen.

Family and friends are invited to a calling hour on Saturday, March 7th, from 11:00am to 12 Noon at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, followed by a memorial service at with Associate Pastor, Jim Trainham, officiating. Spring burial will be in Lowville Rural Cemetery.

Memorials in Ricky’s name may be made to: Oneida-Lewis Arc, PO Box 126, Turin, NY 13473, Bethel Church of the Nazarene, 7476 NY-12, Lowville, NY 13367 or Lowville Food Pantry, 5502 Trinity Ave, Lowville, NY 13367