Howard was born on May 5, 1942 at The Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Mary (Sullivan) and Fred Gronow. He grew up on Townsend Avenue and later moved to Harper Woods. Howard went to meet his Lord Sunday evening surrounded by his family, Carolyn, Debbie, Paul, and Kathy.
Howard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn (Schaubroeck), and his three children, Debbie (Dan) Reckker, Paul (Sue) Gronow, and Kathy Carbonara. He is also survived by his siblings, Fritz Gronow and Susie (Tom) McCormick. His eight grandchildren are: Alyssa (David) King, Erika Carbonara, Connor (Cheyenne) Reckker, Jonathan (Lauren) Gronow, Justin Reckker, Michael Carbonara, Josh (Lauren) Gronow, and Lauren Carbonara. His four great-granddaughters are Elise King, Leila Gronow, Amelia King, and baby Gronow. Howard has a large extended family that loves him dearly.
Howard married his childhood sweetheart on December 10, 1960. Together they raised their family on a 10-acre farm in Fraser, Michigan. There he enjoyed tending to his Arabian horses. He also enjoyed working on automobiles, a hobby he continued throughout his life. Howard was a wheeler-dealer, creating new businesses (United Flooring, United Automotive Sales, Liberty Office Park) fostered by his entrepreneurial spirit. Many will remember him for his life-long nickname of “Hungry Howard.” He loved going to Northern Michigan, boating, and spending time on the water. He loved making his father’s famous corn pancakes for others.
Visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 26, 2021 at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield, Clinton Twp., MI. A funeral service will be held at Rockpointe Community Church, 38100 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan. The family will receive guests from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27th. Because of COVID, there will no luncheon following the funeral. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of the following:
Camp Casey (horse camp in Michigan for kids with cancer). This supports Howard’s love for helping children and his love of horses. To make a tribute gift online, go to camp-casey.org.
In support of Dr. Paul E. Marik who saved Howard’s life in 2019 with his sepsis treatment, donate online at: covid19criticalcare.com (FLCCC Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance).
Alzheimer’s Association in remembrance of family members that suffered from this disease. Donate at: alz.org