Howard, David James

David James Howard passed away Jan. 24, 2024, in an assisted living facility in Lafayette, Ind., where he had been living the past few years. He was 85.

But his heart and soul were and will forever be in Rochester, N.Y., where he was raised and lived for nearly eight decades. He was born in Syracuse, where he only lived a few years.

It was in Rochester where he developed a fondness for baseball, the New York Giants, American history (especially the Civil War), genealogy, pets and bemoaning the area’s notorious gray skies. It was on the baseball diamond where he shined, playing on championship teams, spanning his time in Pony League through his company softball team where he still played second base and batted leadoff in his 40s.

He worked for Mobil Chemical as a financial analyst for more than 25 years, then transitioned to working as a tax preparer. A graduate of John Marshall High School, he received both a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and his MBA from his beloved University of Rochester. His commitment to education was a thread throughout his life as he was an avid book reader and collector — including hundreds, of course, about the Rochester area.

When it came to animals, he loved numerous dogs and cats who he cared for over the years. Perhaps the most notable was Zeppelin, his constant companion in both of their twilight years. 

Those who knew him would recall his honesty, quick wit and sharp mind, the latter of which was ravaged by the relentless advancement of Alzheimer’s and dementia that sapped his brainpower, then his life.

He was immensely proud of his two sons who both survive, Henry (wife, Manju) Howard of Lafayette, Ind.; and Hugh (wife, Sandra) Howard, of Wooster, Ohio; as well as five grandchildren, Ryan James Howard of Irvine, Calif. (https://www.sellerlabs.com/) ; Kyle Patrick Howard of New York City; and Casey Jeffrey Howard, Maria May Howard and Rose Catherine Howard, all of Wooster. He is also survived by his ex-wife and mother of his children, Karen Howard, also of Wooster.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Virginia Howard.

He will be returned to Rochester for burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery with a service starting at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you express kindness to people and animals, and donations may be made to Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester.