[Tawny71]

In home care for now. I'm going to go see him tomorrow evening.

[tydalton]

Thoughts and Prayers during this time !

[Tawny71]

I went to see Howard today. I fear he won't be with us much longer. He barely woke up while I was there, but when he did, we were able to chat a bit about coasters. His memory is failing, but he was able to recal Fury's media day and his trip to Coney Island with Jonathan last fall. It's so sad to think that Media Day for Fury was the day he was diagnosed, and to think how quickly this disease has stolen his life from him.
Howard's family asked that I pass their regards on to all of you, and hope that we'll all ride this season with Howard in our hearts.
Please continue to pray if you pray, and send good vibes if you don't. His family needs lots of comfort. I could tell that Howard is very sad to be leaving this world, so if you could send thoughts of comfort for him as he prepares to leave this life, I would appreciate it.

[aoriole19]

I'm so sad. I don't really know what to say here, and I don't think I ever met Howard in person, but I will be praying for him and for his family. I know it must be really difficult for him right now, but I hope he realizes how much people care about him, and I will always remember him even though we never met. <3

[tarheel1231]

This is truly heartbreaking news. I'm at a loss for words, because I thought things had really turned around. You'll be in my thoughts, Howard.

[Tawny71]

I'm so sorry to have to share this sad update. Howard has passed away.
Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

If you never met Howard, you really missed out on a special man. He always had a smile, even in the hardest of times. He loved his family, his friends, sports, and coasters. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and wasn't afraid to take chances. He was such a good friend to me. When I would call to check on him while he was in the middle of his battle with cancer, he would always spend time asking me about anything going on in my life. He didn't focus on his negatives, and he always encouraged me to focus on the positives in my life, too.
I only got a year and a half of friendship with Howard, but he left a lifetime of memories in my heart.
I plan to ride lots of coasters this year and dedicate my new credits to his memory.

[Jonathan]

I was fortunate to be able to see Howard a couple of times over the last several months as he was in Port Jervis running Rudy's Cafe and making trips into NYC from time to time for treatment and to see friends. The last time I saw him was at the end of November when we went to watch our schools (NC State and Arizona State) play each other in basketball in Brooklyn. Only two weeks ago we were talking about a possible Cedar Point trip in the Spring before he wouldn't be able to ride anymore. His rapid decline since then was shocking, but if there is a silver lining it is that he did not have prolonged suffering.

Whenever I go to Coney Island now I will think about Howard after we had an incredible day there in September with some of his family and friends. It was his first time on the Cyclone and the first time he was able to ride a roller coaster since Fury 325 media day (the day he was diagnosed with cancer).

You couldn't be sad around him because he was so upbeat and focused on making the most of however many days he had left. As a long-time cynic I always found it refreshing to be around him because he was in constant fascination and wonderment with the world around him, particularly when we were in NYC.

We've lost another great member of our community.

[FamousAmos]

If I have the time, I'd like to put together a scrapbook of your favorite memories with Howard to send to his family.

[Edwardo]

Very sad indeed. Losing people is never something you expect, and I'm glad he's not suffering. I hope that his family finds comfort.

We've lost two really great guys in as many years.

[MarkD]

Sad news to loose another person. I met him several times and he was a great man. Always laughing and joking we spoke.
I wish his family peace as they cope with this loss.
Thank you Tawny for the updates.

[Wormy]

Howard and I met through this site during the days of Intimidator construction. He was totally on board with the speculation (and stalking - we shared hints and bits of gossip offline) as he would take his lunch breaks across the street at Plaza Fiesta keeping a close watch. We finally had the pleasure of meeting in person on the hill the day Intimidator tested (until we froze our butts off). Over the years when bumping into each other at the park we’d make it a point to make a round or two and catch up. And as Fury was coming along, he sprang right back into action.

He was a strong supporter of this site - always the first to notify me or Jonathan if we were mentioned in the media, and dependably on hand to lend a reassuring voice of reason when things got heated. And he had jokes!

When visiting in April after his surgery, I had the honor of meeting Mindy and his wonderfully kind parents. They were incredibly warm and welcoming and made me feel like part of the family instantly. I told him he was a lucky man, and he was. Over coffee in December when options for treatment had become slim… I don’t know how he did it, but he was as positive and hopeful as ever, and radiated life. Being Howard.

Goldsteh, rest in peace knowing that you left your mark on our little coaster community, and you will forever be remembered in the highest regard. We had fun didn’t we?

Doug

[tydalton]

My Thoughts And Prayers Are With His Family

[FamousAmos]

The one thing that stand out the most to me is the fact that he was willing to reach out. On and even offline he was always there. I will really miss talking to him. That's one thing that I greatly appreciate about a person; is the fact that they can still care against all odds. He was in great pain, but he did not let that make his heart grow cold. He was and always will be there.

[Jonathan]

Memorial page: http://grayparkerfuneralhome.com/tribut ... tuary.html

If anyone wants to make a donation in Howard's name:

Memorial contributions may be made to: Cure Pancreatic Cancer - The Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714 www.curePC.org , Temple Beth El, 88 East Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771 or to the charity of your choice

[Merthecat]

I'm really sorry to hear this! I'm sad to say I never had the opportunity to meet him, but he was always a very friendly poster on this website and, based on the things you guys say about him, he was the same way in real life. I saw his obituary in the Charlotte Observer and am wishing only the best for his family. I will miss him!