Howard Edward Finkel

Howard Edward Finkel, known fondly as Howie, left us on September 26, 2025, at the age of 89, peacefully at home in Port Charlotte, Florida. Born on December 10, 1935, in Boston to Hyman and Rose Finkel, he lived a happy life in Randolph, MA, before retiring to Port Charlotte. Howie was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 67 years, Carol Levitt Finkel. Together, they raised daughters, Sharyn Bernstein and Lauren Niedel-Gresh. He was blessed with grandchildren, Jenna Lonsdale, Abby Lonsdale Mellor, Hannah Niedel-Gresh, and Joel Niedel-Gresh—and great-granddaughter, Makaira Olayer.

Howie served in the U.S. Army in Hawaii and was a proud veteran. For over 30 years, Howie worked as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service in South Boston. He and Carol retired to Florida where they designed a beautiful home on the water. Howie was an avid tennis player and loved to travel, before health challenges made these activities difficult. Howie enjoyed playing cards with Carol, working on puzzles, playing trivia, and spoiling his beloved cats. Howie was devoted to all Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox, and had an impressive collection of T-shirts, caps and memorabilia. He enjoyed attending spring training and minor league games in Florida and spending summers in Hull, MA with his sister Eleanor and good friends on Nantasket Beach. Howie lived a good life and always enjoyed meeting new people, sharing stories and maintaining life-long friendships. 

Howie’s life will be honored with a private funeral service on October 26, 2025, followed by a celebration of life with family and friends in Canton, MA. For details, please reach out to Lauren Niedel-Gresh at [email protected].

On December 28, 2025, another celebration of life is planned in Gulf Cove, FL. Contact Sharyn Bernstein at [email protected] for more information if you do not receive an email invitation in November.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Howie's memory to Englewood Meals on Wheels or the Suncoast Humane Society, and please share a memory about Howie or a message to the family.