Obituaries

View our most recent obituaries for our Rochester and Victor locations.
1955 - 2026

Mr. Howard was a bills fan.

Posted by Lukas Belete (talented tenth) on January 6, 2026

R.I.P Mr. Howard 🕊️ A large figure in so many people’s lives and will truly be missed. Prayers up!

Posted by Lukas Belete (talented tenth) on January 6, 2026

Mr. Howard was a bills fan.

Posted by Lukas Belete (talented tenth) on January 6, 2026

R.I.P Mr. Howard 🕊️ A large figure in so many people’s lives and will truly be missed. Prayers up!

Posted by Lukas Belete (talented tenth) on January 6, 2026

Howard, Dr. Rita Gaither, Corey and Yamal (two of the talented tenth boys)

Posted by Trevor Wiggins on January 6, 2026

Howard is a man that can be described in many different words. I find that no other word can describe him the most better than the word Human. He was the embodiment of the word, Human.

Posted by Trevor Wiggins on January 6, 2026

Howard, Dr. Rita Gaither, Corey and Yamal (two of the talented tenth boys)

Posted by Trevor Wiggins on January 6, 2026

Howard is a man that can be described in many different words. I find that no other word can describe him the most better than the word Human. He was the embodiment of the word, Human.

Posted by Trevor Wiggins on January 6, 2026

Posted by Javieon major on January 6, 2026

This is javieon major I'm part of the talented to tinth.my time being here ms.howard was great each time we met he had respect in comfort in he's voice when he spoke to other.i always noticed he had a joy for trying new things like every time after are classes at the dojo he would be happy to speak to us at the end a acknowledge how we all would be great men one day

Posted by Javieon major on January 6, 2026

This photo shows the progress and effort that Mr Howard has put into the young men he has helped. Know that none of his efforts were in vain.

Posted by Xavier on January 6, 2026

Hello my named is Xavier Wiggins, I am a member of the talented tenth. I am grateful for having Mr Howard being a major part of our lives. Willing to put effort to make the talented tenth become what it is today, and becoming a great mentor and making an impact on each of our lives.

Posted by Xavier on January 6, 2026

Hi I’m Quentin, I’m a member of the talented tenth and I want to say how Mr.Howard was a great person and I am thankful that he was in my life.

Posted by Quentin Jenkins on January 6, 2026

I had just got a haircut

Posted by Quentin Jenkins on January 6, 2026

He took this photo and he was happy

Posted by Ijyn on January 6, 2026

He told me to keep going and don’t let nobody take you down Ijyn wynn from the talent tenth

Posted by Ijyn on January 6, 2026

He took this photo and he was happy

Posted by Ijyn on January 6, 2026

He told me to keep going and don’t let nobody take you down Ijyn wynn from the talent tenth

Posted by Ijyn on January 6, 2026

Hi I’m Jayvion and I’m from the talented tenth and I just wanted to say that im going to miss him and I’m thankful for him.

Posted by Jayvion Phillips on January 6, 2026

Posted by Ijyn wynn on January 6, 2026

I’m going to miss him he will always tell me to keep going and don’t let nobody keep me down Ijyn wynn talent tenth

Posted by Ijyn wynn on January 6, 2026

Hello I’m Jaylen I’m apart of the talented tenth. He was a VERY important member of our program. One of the hearts of our program and we will miss him.

Posted by Jaylen Neloms on January 6, 2026

Posted by Mustafa on January 6, 2026

Mr. Howard was a kind and respected man whose life was defined by generosity, quiet strength, and genuine care for others. He had a way of making people feel valued, whether through a thoughtful gesture or a few comforting words. Those who knew him will remember his warmth, his integrity, and the positive impact he made on everyone around him. Though he has passed, his memory lives on in the hearts of many and will continue to be cherished.

Posted by Mustafa on January 6, 2026

Howard out greeting students on the first day!

Posted by Mandy Hartman on January 6, 2026

This was Howard!

Posted by Mandy Hartman on January 6, 2026

Howard out greeting students on the first day!

Posted by Mandy Hartman on January 6, 2026

This was Howard!

Posted by Mandy Hartman on January 6, 2026

Working with members of RPD to delivery art, craft and learning supplies to the R-Centers over the summer.

Posted by Mandy Hartman on January 6, 2026

I was so sorry to hear of Howard's passing. He was a tremendous light and a gift to those who had the pleasure of knowing him. I worked with Howard at Pencils and Paper; Howard's heart was large enough to hug each and every student in RCSD. He was a tireless advocate and champion for equity and ensuring students received the supplies they needed to be successful in school. Howard went above and beyond authentically engaging with young people, being truly present and setting an uplifting example for all to follow. I will miss you Howard.

Posted by Mandy Hartman on January 6, 2026

I had to great pleasure of working with Howard at JPM. He was a natural manager and a kind, smart and capable person. One of my favorites. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Howard is a good soul.

Posted by Jennifer Wallis Kotzen on January 6, 2026

Mr. Howard i just want to thank you for all the things you’ve taught me. This has really helped me develop into a more professional man as finish my final year of High School. I enjoyed every moment we shared together. There was never a dull moment. Thank you for teaching me about your religion and your religious history and for making an impact in not only me but also my talented tenth brother. You will forever be remembered. We love you Mr. Howard and you will be missed.

Posted by Axel Echevarria on January 6, 2026

Posted by Axel Echevarria on January 6, 2026

Mr. Howard i just want to thank you for all the things you’ve taught me. This has really helped me develop into a more professional man as finish my final year of High School. I enjoyed every moment we shared together. There was never a dull moment. Thank you for teaching me about your religion and your religious history and for making an impact in not only me but also my talented tenth brother. You will forever be remembered. We love you Mr. Howard and you will be missed.

Posted by Axel Echevarria on January 6, 2026

Yamals GRANDPA ❣️

Posted by Jade’ Reed on January 6, 2026

FOREVER GRANDPA HOWARD THE MAN WITH THE PLAN 💔💔💔💔💔 ILL WALK IN YOUR FOOT STEPS FOREVER I APPRECIATE YOUR LOVE FOR YAMAL YOU WILL ALWAYS BE HIS 1 & ONLY GRANDPA WHO TAUGHT HIM LEAD HIM & SHOWED HIM TRUE LOVE yamals grandpa forever we’re gonna make it across that stage 🎊

Posted by Jade’ Reed on January 6, 2026

MR.Howard was A great guy that knew how to lead a flock. He was such a Giving and caring person and he taught me and my talented tenth brothers how to Love. It’s so much more I can say but words can’t explain he will always be remembered and be in my heart. LOVE NICK REEVES

Posted by Nick on January 6, 2026

Very sad news about Howie. It's been years since we were together, but I remember the good times when we visited Rochester and all the cousins were together. May his memory be a blessing.

Posted by Robert Berger on January 5, 2026

Howie was the most unselfish and unconditional human ever. There is a line in one of the greatest movies of all time that perfectly sums up how so many feel about having had Howie is their lives…from the Wizard of Oz when the Wizard gives the Tinman the heart he always dreamed of: “Remember my sentimental friend, a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” Perfectly Howie. Til we meet again my friend…❤️

Posted by Barb Kraus and Sasha Sophia on January 5, 2026

Howard was a solid, solid guy and a great lawyer. He’ll be truly missed.

Posted by Bob Hooks on January 5, 2026

I have known Howie for about 14 years. During that time, I was continually amazed by his energy and generosity for his family, his friends, and his community. Howie always seemed busy but never tired; always working hard but never overwhelmed. The lasting image I have of Howie is his glowing smile as he welcomed my family into his home for a meal. Those nights he would share about a new volunteer project he was leading or a new bond he had made with someone in need of support. Howie gave so much of himself to those around him, and he touched the lives of many more people he did not get a chance to meet. I will miss sharing those meals and seeing Howie's smile. I will miss his stories. Most of all, I will miss learning about all the ways Howie devoted himself to making the world a brighter, gentler, more peaceful place to live.

Posted by Drew Hoffmann on January 5, 2026

Howie thanks for loving memories while living with the Wurtzman family in Rochester —- so many years ago —Susie Adair

Posted by Susie Adair, on January 4, 2026

We were so blessed to have had you as a great family member and you will be missed dearly. Rest In Peace Howard. Ken

Posted by Ken Dang on January 4, 2026

What a loss Howard is to our community. We had the pleasure of working with Howard during the start-up years of Pencils and Paper, where he proved to be exactly the right person for an unusually complex job. After a 30-year career as a lawyer, Howard seamlessly transitioned into roles that included warehouse manager, receiving clerk, forklift operator, and skilled constructor of shelving. He did all of this while learning every day how to improve organization and efficiency. Howard was always there to answer the many questions of volunteers who were themselves learning new roles. No matter how busy he was, his response was unfailingly friendly, patient, and helpful. To this day, countless impoverished students and their dedicated teachers continue to benefit from the strong and durable foundation Howard built for Pencils and Paper. Thank you, Howard — you will be deeply missed. Arnie and Mary Jane Gissin

Posted by Arnie and Mary Jane Gissin on January 4, 2026

Howard was a True Gentleman- kind, compassionate, understanding and always wanting to know " how are you doing" . Howard will be missed greatly by anyone who was lucky enough to Know Him. Rest in Peace my Friend.

Posted by michael farash on January 4, 2026

Howard and I worked together across two employers for over 35 years. We then spent the next ten in a small ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group. It was three of us from the Bank. Then Jim died and it was just Howie and me. Howard was too young to die, as was Jim. I have tried to find the original source of "only the good die young." Turns out it has roots in ancient proverbs, it wasn´t just a song about lust by Billy Joel. Howie was that guy. His life was service to others. Charitable work, mentoring, helping out. He founded a non-profit that provides free schools supplies to teachers in underprivileged areas, an organization that lives on as, I hope, a permanent memorial to his vision and memory. He served on innumerable non profit boards and helmed most of them at one time or another. He mentored and tutored inner city kids. He was just a good guy. He was my friend. And I am going to miss him

Posted by John Hart on January 4, 2026

CMAC with my beautiful friends

Posted by Lida Kalantari on January 4, 2026

Losing you so soon feels unreal. I miss your kind heart, your sweet soul, and the beautiful friendship we shared. The world is quieter without you in it. Miss you Howard!

Posted by Lida Kalantari on January 4, 2026

So sorry for your loss.

Posted by Margie Spence & Scott Forsyth on January 3, 2026

Howard and I worked together across two employers for over 35 years. We then spent the next ten in a small ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group. It was three of us from the Bank. Then Jim died and it was just Howie and me. Howard was too young to die, as was Jim. I have tried to find the original source of “only the good die young.” Turns out it has roots in ancient proverbs, it wasn’t just a song about lust by Billy Joel. Howie was that guy. His life was service to others. Charitable work, mentoring, helping out. He founded a non-profit that provides free schools supplies to teachers in underprivileged areas, an organization that lives on as, I hope, a permanent memorial to his vision and memory. He served on innumerable non profit boards and helmed most of them at one time or another. He mentored and tutored inner city kids. He was just a good guy. He was my friend. And I am going to miss him.

Posted by John Hart on January 3, 2026

Howard and I worked together across two employers for over 35 years. We then spent the next ten in a small ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group. It was three of us from the Bank. Then Jim died and it was just Howie and me. Howard was too young to die, as was Jim. I have tried to find the original source of “only the good die young.” Turns out it has roots in ancient proverbs, it wasn’t just a song about lust by Billy Joel. Howie was that guy. His life was service to others. Charitable work, mentoring, helping out. He founded a non-profit that provides free schools supplies to teachers in underprivileged areas, an organization that lives on as, I hope, a permanent memorial to his vision and memory. He served on innumerable non profit boards and helmed most of them at one time or another. He mentored and tutored inner city kids. He was just a good guy. He was my friend. And I am going to miss him.

Posted by John Hart on January 3, 2026

This photo should tell you a lot about Howard🗣️💯❤️

Posted by Corey Donell Mcmath on January 3, 2026

Howard, I just want to thank you for helping me through hard times for the past 3 years. Just being around you made me change my ways,and follow the right path. I always looked up to you since me met. It is very hard to accept that you are gone, but you are. I love you and will forever honor you until my death bed. Even though you are gone, you left me with things that I will carry for the rest of my life, here's a list of some of them: consistency, discipline, self-control, and you taught me how to be an adult of my own. I love you bro.

Posted by Corey Donell Mcmath on January 3, 2026

This photo should tell you a lot about Howard🗣️💯❤️

Posted by Corey Donell Mcmath on January 3, 2026

Howard, I just want to thank you for helping me through hard times for the past 3 years. Just being around you made me change my ways,and follow the right path. I always looked up to you since me met. It is very hard to accept that you are gone, but you are. I love you and will forever honor you until my death bed. Even though you are gone, you left me with things that I will carry for the rest of my life, here's a list of some of them: consistency, discipline, self-control, and you taught me how to be an adult of my own. I love you bro.

Posted by Corey Donell Mcmath on January 3, 2026

Howard, I just want to thank you for helping me through hard times for the past 3 years. Just being around you made me change my ways,and follow the right path. I always looked up to you since me met. It is very hard to accept that you are gone, but you are. I love you and will forever honor you until my death bed. Even though you are gone, you left me with things that I will carry for the rest of my life, here's a list of some of them: consistency, discipline, self-control, and you taught me how to be an adult of my own. I love you bro.

Posted by Corey Donell Mcmath on January 3, 2026

This photo should tell you a lot about Howard🗣️💯❤️

Posted by Corey Donell Mcmath on January 3, 2026

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