Howard Paul Flomberg

Flomberg was born in Queens, NY in 1947 to Diane Richman and David Flomberg. His father David, a men’s clothier, died in 1950. Flomberg’s extended family was involved in his upbringing, specifically his aunt Margaret, with whom he spent much of youth, along with his cousins Bennett and Jerry.

Flomberg graduated from Forest Hills High School, where he first met Judith Kalmar, in 1964. They would be wed five years later on Sept. 7, 1969. After high school, Flomberg attended Queens College briefly, and then enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968.

Flomberg spent four years in active duty during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Thailand for a good part of that, where his primary duties centered around computer maintenance and repair—most notably in the recently declassified covert Operation Igloo White. The operation was one of the earliest efforts to automate intelligence gathering via technology.

While in the military, Flomberg wed his high school sweetheart. Once he completed his service obligation, Flomberg was Honorably Discharged, and he returned to New York. Shortly thereafter he and his wife relocated to Denver. Flomberg attended Metro State University (then College) of Denver, eventually graduating with his Bachelor’s of Science in Computer and Management Systems, magna cum laude.

The year he began college, Flomberg was standing outside of his home on Grant Street when he was struck by a drunk driver who fled the scene. It was a significant turning point in his life, crippling him severely and destroying one of his kidneys. This would eventually lead to his being placed on dialysis in his last few years of life, and a near-complete inability to walk by the time he was in his early 60s.

After recovering from the accident and completing his degree, Flomberg and his family relocated for work to Santa Ana, California, where his son David was born. Flomberg earned his Masters degree in Computer Science from West Coast University before relocating back to Colorado in 1979 where his daughter Deborah was born.

Flomberg began teaching as an adjunct professor at Metro upon his return to Colorado, and continued for the better part of 30 years, finally retiring in 2008. During that time, Flomberg worked in the burgeoning computer industry for companies including Martin Marrietta and EDS, and spent many years as a consultant.

“He was a good man who always gave great advice when I needed it the most,” said former student Terri Pate. “He was a good professor who was always willing to help when things didn't make a lot of sense.”

Former student Harleen Sethi echoed the sentiment: “He was my all time favorite professor at Metro. He was a wonderful man.”

Flomberg became very active with Boy Scouts as his son progressed through that program. Flomberg served as a Webelos den chief, then as Assistant Scout Master, Explorer Post Advisor and eventually as a Unit Commissioner for the organization over the course of almost 20 years. During his tenure there, the Denver Area Council recognized him for his distinguished service with the Silver Beaver award; it’s the highest award available at the council level.

“Boy Scout Troop 712 was better for having known Howie and benefiting from his experience and counsel,” said former scouting associate Wade Cloyd.

Former scout leader James Schneider remembered Flomberg’s irrepressible sense of humor as the thing that stood out most. “When we'd sell candy bars to fund camping trips and someone would be resistant or rude to the boys, he'd call out, ‘Hey, at least they're not out stealing hubcaps!’ (He) was one of the kindest and most generous men I ever met. (His) passing … leaves a hole in my life.”

In his retirement, Flomberg published a few books, most recently an autobiography titled Stumbling Through the Sixties. He also found a renewed passion for playing folk guitar (in his youth, he opened for Simon and Garfunkel and Bob Dylan on separate occasions). Flomberg had a monthly house gig at the bar in his retirement community. He donated all tips earned to the Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation. The Colorado Freedom Memorial is the only American service memorial that represents fallen and missing-in-action soldiers from all branches and wars in American history. Flomberg raised nearly $1,000 on his own in tips for the memorial.

“Howie Flomberg was a compassionate patriot who believed we were responsible for making sure the sacrifice of fallen veterans was not forgotten,” said Rick Crandall, KEZW radio personality and president of the board of directors for the Freedom Memorial. “To that end, he worked through good times and bad to raise money and awareness for the Colorado Freedom Memorial, which he lived to see become a reality. Now Howie stands guard beside those heroes.”

Flomberg is survived by his wife Judith, son Dave (wife Amy née Hodge), and daughter Deb, all in Denver; and several cousins living on the East Coast.

A committal service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery followed by a full memorial service at Olinger Hampden Mortuary, 8600 E. Hampden Avenue, in Denver at 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in his name to the Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation, http://cfmf.net