Here’s another favorite photo of “Uncle Howie”.

Howie was my gym teacher at south Philly high in 1957. I was a senior, graduating in June 1958. I kept in touch with howie over the years. I loved him very much.
                                                                           Jim Zappacosta 

As I sit here on a sweltering summer night watching the Phils beat the Rays, my thoughts returned to the greatest baseball player I ever knew: Howie Zeitz.  A Google search sadly revealed his passing last winter.  What a guy!

Of course I learned all of the skills one expects to learn at camp, but the most valuable lesson learned that has lasted a lifetime was enthusiasm, and nobody taught enthusiasm better than Uncle Howie.  When he joined us older boys on the softball diamond and took his turn at bat (where he would hit every pitch into the corn field that was off limits), I quickly realized that Uncle Howie loved camp more than any of us did.  There was no "half speed" in Howie; everything was done full speed ahead.  I was in a select "group" that saw Uncle Howie year round as he was a gym teacher at Central High during my time there and where his summer enthusiasm was on display throughout the school year.

They don't make 'em like Uncle Howie anymore.  A heartfelt "thank you" for all you taught me.



I met Uncle Howie about 27 years ago when my daughter Ashley (who was 6 at the time) met him. My daughter did not want to go to Willow Grove camp however after meeting with Howie and spending time with him could not wait to start camp. She went to camp for many years and then became a counsel. Over the years I became friends with Howie, Gloria and Larry and Howie never missed an opportunity to give me a hug when we got together. Whether playing golf at Bucks Golf Courses or having a beer at Mikes.  Uncle Howie you will be missed by all that knew you. You are the BEST

Howie with Camp Directors…Jim, John, and Rick.

Finale of Color War 2016

“Friends, Friends, Friends we will always be…”

Very very sorry for your loss your dad changed my life went he said get a masters in special education i loved him and will miss him greatly bruce kline

This was the last picture I had with Uncle Howie on the last day of Willow Grove being open. I attended Willow Grove Day Camp for 13 years from Willow to Junior Counselor. So many of my core childhood memories come from this camp and always being greeted by Uncle Howie. He created such a close and friendly atmosphere amongst campers and staff, really made everyone feel like family to me. He will always have an important place in my heart.

Uncle "Howie " was one of the kindest people I have ever known. My son spent many years at WGDC, both as a camper and an employee.  It made me so happy to just get out of my car and talk to him for 5 minutes while I was dropping my son off. Thank you for all your kindness and the wonderful memories. 

Godspeed “Uncle Howie.” I spent 4 summers between 1972 through 1975 at WGSDC as a camper and the summer of 1980 as a CIT and the  memories will last forever.  Thank you Howie and Gloria for making WG the most incredible day camp that has or will ever be. From the cookout area in the woods next to riflery  to the lower and upper pools where I learned how to swim, the amphitheater where I rocked out with my bunk covering Pink Floyd in the summer of 1980 at the talent show to the old barn on rainy days. And who can forget the tetherball courts and Color War. The legacy will live on forever and ever...

For over two decades I spent my summers at WGSDC. It was my summer home away from home, and profoundly influenced who I am today. Uncle Howie and Aunt Gloria played a big role during my time there, and I will never forget them. May they both rest in peace. 

So sorry to hear of Harold's passing.   Our  condolence's to his entire family.  May he rest in peace with Gloria.

                                            Sheila & Harvey Klinger

Our heartfelt condolences to the Zeitz family 
He was wonderful man with a great sense of humor
He will be missed
Harry Markovitz 


      I just love Uncle Howie, Gloria, and my whole WGSDC family.  Howie you are deeply missed a most important person to me.  Gone on the first day of winter very understandable.  Send all of our love to everyone with you.  
Big Love, Suzanna

Howie was a wonderful person.   A real Mench.  My condolences to his family.  
Sam Rosenberg 

Uncle Howie held a bigger-than-life persona in my coming of age. Not only did he teach Fabian and Chubby Checker at South Philly High, he could fill the room with his own voice and charisma. One can never forget his energetic presence astride the grounds of Willow Grove Day Camp. I looked up to him as a role model. May he rest in peace, and know that he will be remembered.



May dear Uncle Howie and Aunt Gloria rest in peace together!  How can I forget the years my shy daughter spent there and found friends, a love of gymnastics and just pure happiness! She is  now a grown woman, soon to be a nurse practitioner! I know her camp experience gave her lifetime lessons.  And a good lesson for grownups too: we might be on opposite teams, but after the winner is announced we’re still “Friends, Friends, Friends!

Dear Zeitz Family,
I would like to send my deepest heartfelt condolences to the Seitz family on the loss of uncle Howie. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to Willow Grove daycamp until two years before it closed, but had two wonderful summers  there. One of the main reasons was Uncle  Howie and Aunt Gloria. When you pulled up, Uncle Howie greeted you at the gate,  put his head at your window and said hello to everyone by name in your vehicle. Uncle Howie was loved by so many, and will be missed by so many. May your many wonderful years of memories of Uncle Howie and Aunt  Gloria help you through this difficult time. Sending my love to you and your family.
Watching them walk through camp hand-in-hand made your heart. Just melt. Thank you for those wonderful memories, Robin Duretz. 

I was a camper, junior and senior counselor at WG for 30 years.  I loved how Uncle Howie greeted everyone each morning, led assemblies with his patriotic songs and saw the pride on his face as the owner of a truly remarkable day camp. I looked forward to my summers there. Rest in peace Uncle Howie and Aunt Gloria.

Jim and I loved Howie and Gloria and have many fond memories of our adventures.  For years we spent Thanksgiving and Christmas together here in Florida.  

Goodbye old friend, we hold you in our hearts now.
Jim & Pat Frieman

Wonderful people to work for.  One of my best bosses!  Condolences to the family

Howie was very much a part of my life. From camper, to counselor, to family friend. We shared holidays through the years as well as get togethers to catch up on each others’ lives. He was very special to me. 

I am very sad to hear of Howie's passing. I have very fond memories of him and he was a very fine man. He formerly was my neighbor and I worked at his Day Camp, Willow Grove for 6 or 7 years. Most of the time I worked at the camp I would ride with Howie in the morning. My condolences to his family and may he RIP.

I have very fond memories of “Uncle  Howie”. I went to WG day camp for a long time. It was the best times of my life!! May his memory be a blessing.  Love, Ellen Clark Sobel

Howie and Gloria were so proud of The 2015 Reader’s Choice Award for BEST DAY CAMP .

I have very fond memories of 10+ years at Willow Grove Day Camp. Uncle Howie greeted every camper, everyday. He touched many lives. Sending peace to his loved ones he leaves behind. 

Fondly,
Courtney Durham 

OBITUARY

Harold "Howie" Zeitz

November 22, 1930 – December 21, 2022

Lamb Funeral Home Inc.

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services