March 18, 1940-December 11 2012
Howard F. Brewer Jr., aka Ron Voz, was a lifelong Astoria resident, born on March 18, 1940, at The Boulevard Hospital. He entered life eternal on December 11, 2012, after an accident at home and a brief hospitalization.
The son of Howard F. Brewer and Alice Lind, he is survived by a half sister, Carol Brennan of Willow Spring, North Carolina, and a half brother, Anthony Avella, Jr., of Whitestone, NY. As a child he actively participated in the Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from Long Island City High School in the Class of 1957. An avid roller hockey player, he played in the Long Island City YMCA Roller Hockey League until age 17, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
His military career included two tours of duty in South Korea and one in Fontainebleau, France. He served for a total of six years, first as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and Special Forces and then in the Military Police as an expert sharpshooter. After his honorable discharge from the military, Howard joined the New York City Police Department, where he worked for 39 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He earned a combined Bachelor of Science and Masters of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College in 1979, graduating summa cum laude, and a Masters of Public Administration degree from Baruch College in 1992.
Howard was raised in an era when the qualities of integrity, honor, loyalty and commitment were considered essential to good character. He exemplified these qualities over a lifetime in law enforcement. During 39 years in the NYPD, he would be assigned to highly sensitive job assignments. He started out as a police officer in the South Bronx, serving for thirteen years during the Fort Apache and Frank Serpico eras. He was promoted to Patrol Sergeant and Integrity Control Officer of the 9th Precinct in the East Village during the Andy Warhol, Jack Abbott and Hell's Angels eras. He then served in the Department of Internal Affairs Division and in the Police Counseling Unit of John Jay College before rising to the rank of Lieutenant and Administrator for the NYPD's chief medical officer, the late Three Star Chief Dr. Robert Thomas. Local legislation mandated that Howard retire the day before his 63rd birthday.
Howard met his wife 'Cil in the 9th Precinct in May of 1981, and they were married on October 17, 1992. They celebrated their 20th Wedding Anniversary this year. Howard is the father of Lisa Frazier (Russell), Howard F. Brewer III (Adrienne), and Lori Carril (Arthur, Jr.) from his first marriage, and of Joshua and Dawn Brewer from his marriage to 'Cil. He is the grandfather of Louis Maldarelli, Ashley Maldarelli, Michael Maldarelli, Arthur Carril III, Natalie Carril, Anthony Brewer and Alexandra Brewer, and the great grandfather of Giovanni Lemus Maldarelli.
A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills for the past 40 years and an ordained Elder, Howard served on the Session, the Board of Trustees, and as Chairman of the Bicentennial Fund. He also taught Adult Sunday School and sang in the Choir.
After retiring from the NYPD, Howard pursued a second career in acting, using the screen name Ron Voz. He played the corpse in three different productions of "Lucky Stiff." He filmed with Richard Gere in "The Hoax," playing the role of Norman Mailer, and with Robin Williams and John Travolta in the film "Old Dogs." He played the role of the chauffeur in the Julia Roberts & Clive Owens film, "Duplicity." Following a principle role in the Disney film "Enchanted," he joined the Screen Actors Guild. He recently filmed the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers teaser trailer, produced by his grandson Louis Maldarelli. He plays the butler in "Can a Song Save Your Life" (forthcoming, with Keira Knightley). He especially enjoyed volunteering in student-directed films at New York University, the School of Visual Arts, and the New York Film Academy.
Nicknamed "Mister," from the 1955 movie "Mister Roberts," Howard was known for his corny jokes and forthright manner. For the last several years, he volunteered three days a week with New York Cares, reading books to kindergarteners, playing chess with 3rd & 4th graders, and assisting young men newly released from prison to re-acclimate into society and become productive citizens. He was also a marathoner and triathlete, having clocked 20,000 miles of running over a 30-year period. When his knees gave out from running, he began swimming three days a week. He will be missed in his many roles as husband, father, grandfather, teacher, athlete, veteran, actor, volunteer and friend.
In Lieu Of Flowers Please Make Contributions To:
First Presbyterian Church Youth Group (Money Will Go To Mission Trips And Retreats)
70-35 112th Street
Forest Hills, NY 11375
718-268-4036
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