Howard Irving Blutstein

Howard Irving Blutstein

Howard Irving Blutstein, 96, beloved son of Jacob and Bessie Blutstein, passed away on Sunday, September 6th, 2026. Howard was born in Brooklyn, NY, on July 6th, 1930, and was raised in Heightstown, NJ, with his brother Barry.

Howard attended Rutgers University, where he received a BA in economics. Shortly thereafter, Howard drafted by the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. He was the main liaison to the Mitsubishi factory which made the jeeps used in the war. After the war, Howard attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, completing his Master’s in Economics. Howard would continue to serve his country as a Foreign Service Officer for the State Department from 1956 to 1967. He was stationed in Tijuana, Bolivia, Peru and Spain.

On September 30th, 1961, Howard married the love of his life Cecilia “Ceci” Aldasoro in Mexico City. Together, they had three children: Emilia Blutstein, Claudia Blutstein Carter, and John-Paul Blutstein. The family returned to Washington, DC in 1967. Howard continued his contributions in Latin American studies at American University by working as a researcher and co-author of 22 Country Area Handbooks.

Following his military and foreign service, Howard and Ceci owned and ran a child day-care center. They also owed and operated four ice cream stores with the aid of his children; (three Baskin-Robbins and one Swensen) In the mid 2000s, Howard was asked by the Library of Congress to become a docent at the Jefferson Building. He accepted their offer, and for over ten years he served as a volunteer and gave bilingual lecture tours to thousands of visitors including congressmen and dignitaries.

In his spare time, Howard collected stamps, (a hobby he had cultivated since childhood as his mother was the postmistress of his hometown). He enjoyed watching the birds that lived in his backyard and often went dancing with his wife. Howard loved to spend time with family, whether that was watching The Redskins and Nationals or going to the National Zoo as a FONZ member. He was a wealth of knowledge and experience, sharing his stories with friends, family members, and anyone who would listen.

Howard is survived by his three children, Emilia, Claudia, John-Paul; his only granddaughter, Jasper Elizabeth Meseke-Carter; and his nephews, Robert and Mark Bennet. He is predeceased by his wife, Cecilia; his parents, Jacob and Bessie; and his brother, Barry Bennett.