Howard Marshall Lerner

Howard was an advertising artist in the music industry for many years, working at Sam Fox Publishing in New York City, publishing original sheet music. Howard later started his own publishing company called SIRI music. He loves to tell the story that many songs from the Broadway show “Man of LaMancha” were composed on the piano in his office. He was a member of ASCAP (American Society for Composers, Authors, and Publishers), publishing many musical works. He had a business relationship with Hoagy Carmichael, Jack Benny, Alan Sherman, and others.

Howard had a passion for acting, singing, and entertaining. He was in many community theater shows, performing often with Estelle Harris, prior to her days with Seinfeld. His love for theater started when he was 17 years old, working as an usher for the Broadway show Oklahoma. One of his biggest thrills was when the famous choreographer, Agnes de Mille, singled him out, telling him he had a beautiful voice. You could always hear Howard singing before you saw him enter the room. He loved playing his drums, jazz music, and was an avid tennis player. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and was known for his beautiful blue eyes. Howard was very proud to have been a WWII Vet. One of Howard’s proudest days was when he was flown to Washington D.C. by Honor Flights, and recognized for his WW II service.

Howard was a Navy man who loved the sea. He was the happiest by the water, and passed on his love of the ocean to his daughters, who often sit by the ocean listening to the sound of the waves.

Howard is survived by his three daughters Mindy (Tom), Stacey (Jon), and Nancy (Neil), eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and his loving partner Loni Kalver.

Howard will be laid to rest at South Florida National Cemetery.