Edwin Arthur Howell II

Edwin Arthur Howell II was born in Phoenix, Arizona on March 30, 1988; he died on July 19, 2025, after bravely fighting bile duct cancer for two and a half years. He passed holding the hand of his wife, Alexa Baldino Howell, while surrounded by his family.

Ed’s was a most generous spirit. He nourished the people he cared about with unmatched home cooking, a passion for entertaining, and unparalleled kindness and empathy. At the center of his life was his beloved wife, Alexa; and he was a most present, patient, and loving father to their two sons, Quinn and Gio.

Ed had the gift of seeing people, of relating to everyone, of remembering names and life stories, and for finding common ground. He could make anyone laugh. He was a gracious team member in sports, a considerate and embracing colleague, and a compassionate friend.

A life-long and distinguished athlete, Ed also excelled academically. 2006 was a banner year: Ed was named University of San Diego High School (Uni) Don of the Year; CIF Academic Captain; and first team All-CIF in volleyball. In addition to these and many other accolades, he also started dating Alexa Baldino, who would be his future wife.

Ed continued both his athletic and academic excellence at Stanford University. His team won the NCAA National Championship in volleyball in 2010, the year he earned his B.S. in Human Biology, with a minor in Political Science. After graduation, Ed joined AmeriCorps and taught Life Science and Physical Education at Nativity Prep Academy, a Catholic school focused on low-income students in Southeast San Diego. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his J.D. and a Master’s degree in Bioethics in 2015.

During law school, Ed externed for the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, the Honorable Barry Ted Moskowitz. Following his clerkship with Judge Moskowitz, Ed practiced law at Jones Day, where he was a dedicated and beloved senior associate in the Business & Tort Litigation practice group.

Always a beach lover, Ed enjoyed surfing, prone paddle boarding, outrigger canoeing, and Hawaiian shirts. He was a gifted musician, a watch collector, a Star Wars enthusiast, and a dedicated Padres fan. Despite his wide range of hobbies, Ed’s greatest joy was found in shared time with his family and friends.

Ed is survived by his wife, Alexa Baldino Howell; his two sons, Quinn and Gio; sister Tricia Howell Walsh (Bill); brothers Denis Howell-Stiles (Jenny) and Tito Howell (Kristin); nephews Carl, Tom, Shane, and Kelly Walsh; niece Vivienne Howell; and father, Carl Brian Howell.

A celebration of life funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 16 at 1:00 PM at The Immaculata Catholic Church on the campus of University of San Diego. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nativity Prep Academy (6126 Adelaide Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115).