Howard Smilowitz

Howard Milton Smilowitz , 73 years young, of Staten Island, NY passed away on October 29, 2020. Howard or Howie as many referred to him, was born on November 17,1946 in Brooklyn to parents Sylvia and Samuel Smilowitz. They later transplanted to Staten Island, settling into the newly built Todt Hill Houses where he made many lifelong friendships that he maintained up until his passing. Howard is a graduate of Port Richmond High School class of 1964, he continued his education obtaining an Associates Degree in Finance from the College of Staten Island. Howard was a veteran serving in the Air force Reserves during the Vietnam era, after four years of service he was honorably discharged in March of 1973. Howie met his loving wife of 50 years, Carolyn Kessel Smilowitz, in 1968 and they married on March 20,1970. They share two children, Michael Stephen and Jocelyn Rebecca.

Howard worked for The United States Trust Company for over 30 years where he again made many friends that he carried throughout the totality of his life. Retiring in 2006, Howie spent his time traveling with friends, taking daily walks in Clove Lakes, socializing with family and friends where he was often the life of the party, and just enjoying life in general. Howard had a big heart, often offering a helping hand to anyone in need as well as donating to multiple charities such as St. Judes children’s Hospital and Meals on Wheels.

Howard loved sports, he was an avid NY Jets Fan and NY Rangers Fan, both of which he held season tickets to. Howard had the privilege of attending the 1994 NY Ranger Stanley Cup Series, the 7th game ticket is still framed and hanging in his home. Howie loved the NY Mets as well and spent many days and nights with his friends cheering on any one of his beloved teams.

Howard’s love of sports came second to only one… Music. Howie loved music, he loved classic rock and attended many concerts throughout the years. Music was incorporated into all parts of his life, he loved it with all his heart, he felt it in his soul, he appreciated it with his ears, he shouted it with his friends, and he passed on this love to his children.

Howard's most treasured roles were as a loving and devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather.

Howard Milton Smilowitz is survived by his loving wife Carolyn Kessel Smilowitz, his son Michael Smilowitz and daughter Jocelyn Smilowitz Vitale; their respective spouses Carol Smilowitz and Frank Vitale; Granddaughter Corey Elisabeth and Grandsons Lucas Samuel and John Giulio; and countless extended family and found family members. All held him in the highest regard and loved him dearly. Preceded in death by his mother Sylvia, father Samuel and brother Edward. Please keep telling stories, remember those funny times, it is our stories that connect us, unite us, and allow us to live on.

A visitation for Howard will take place at Casey’s Funeral home on Thursday, November 5th from 3pm-7pm. A service will take place at Casey's Funeral home on Friday November 6th at 10am, followed by a funeral service at Moravian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation in Howard’s name be made to the St.Jude Children’s Hospital foundation.