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Howard Garfinkel
1929 - 2016
Howard Garfinkel
1929 - 2016
Obituary
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BORN
1929
DIED
2016
Howard Garfinkel Obituary
Garfinkel created a high school basketball scouting service in 1965. He then ran the Five-Star camp from 1966 to 2008. The summer camp in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, became the place where the best high school basketball players in the country were able to work on improving their talents.
Players who came through Five-Star include Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Isiah Thomas, and Moses Malone. The camp also had top coaches there to work with the players such as Chuck Daly, Bobby Knight, and Rick Pitino.
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Garfinkel was elected to the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.
Five-Star issued a statement Saturday: "Garf's imprint on the sport was unmistakable; from pioneering the basketball-specific specialty camp, a first among traditional sports, to innovating the scouting and evaluation process.”
Many tributes were paid to Garfinkel on social media:
Malik Allen – “R.I.P Howard Garfinkel. Garf had more confidence in me than anyone else in H.S. did. Thoughts and prayers to his family.”
Dick Vitale – “There will NEVER EVER be another GARF! RIP buddy & thnx for all the gr8 times.”
John Calipari – “A really sad day for all of basketball. Howard Garfinkel, an icon who changed the game in many ways, passed away today.”
23 Entries
Frank Case
September 26, 2017
I am so sorry to learn of Howard's passing. I was one of the first players who played for Howie in 1954 . I absolutely adored this man. He gave me a chance to play when I was young and just starting to play basketball. That opportunity gave me self confidence in my game. I went on to play for the University of Dayton for Tom Blackburn. It changed my whole life. I still have the trophy that Howie bought for me as the MVP of his team in 1954 or 1955. He bought it with his own money. I remember that day as if it were yesterday.
I love you Howie !
Craig Kennedy
May 16, 2016
The world will never know another like Garf. He was unique, funny and intelligent. He gave thousands of people an opportunity to improve their lot both as players and coaches at his camps.
G. Freeman
May 13, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
How you can show support
Kevin Schultz
May 11, 2016
In 1964, Mr Garfinkel asked me to manage a group of NYC All Stars. I carried the balls and kept the scorebook for 2 or 3 games and when the team went to play in a tournament, which they won...I couldn't go because of school conflict. Two weeks later, he called me and said, come on over to my apartment..I have trophy for you...wasn't that a kind man?
He will be watching with the basketball minds from above.
Dick Herman
May 11, 2016
The greatest mind to recognize high school and college talent in the basketball arena ever
May 10, 2016
Thanks to Mr. Garfinkel's support, many young one has being touched, encouraged, and motivated to play; this way basketball keeps alive... My sincere condolences to Mr. Garfinkel's family and those close friends for their loss today. I can only imagine how hard this is for you, but I hope that the strength and the comfort of our Heavenly Father, be granted to you and help you endure your grief- for He understands what you are going through.
The Carter Family
May 10, 2016
Mr. Garfinkel was very much loved, respected, and appreciated by many because he cared about young men with potential and made it possible for them to aspire to become the most they could be. His legacy will live on through the success of many, many basketball greats. Be assured that his death is a immense loss. Please allow the God of all comfort to see you through your grief. With deepest sympathy!
MA
May 9, 2016
I send my condolences. My the Gid of all comfort give your family and friends peace at this time.
Ross
May 9, 2016
Thank you for sharing your dear loved one with the basketball world.Our heartfelt prayers with all who loved and knew him.
Krystal DB
May 9, 2016
For the Garfinkle family, I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort hear your heart-broken prayers and provide you with much needed comfort during the difficult days and weeks ahead (Isaiah 42:10).
Jeff Hiller
May 9, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the family and to all who were inspired by this basketball legend. I remember waiting on him at The Fireside during Five Star when they were at Bryn Mawr Camp. I can still hear the jukebox blaring with Frank Sinatra music as Garf ate his late night meal after a long day on the courts. I believe that the game of basketball itself would not be the same today if it weren't for him. I sure hope there are hoops in heaven for him.
Jerlyn Lewis
May 9, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Garfinkel family for the loss of your dear loved one. May the memories you have shared over the years help to ease the heartache you now feel; and may God comfort you and give you the strength needed to endure this time of sorrow. (Psalm 145:14, 18)
May 9, 2016
Mr. Garfinkel will be remembered by many prolific basketball players who were greatly assisted by him.
We are saddened by the death of anyone. To Mr. Garfinkel's family, you are receiving this message because we care.
May the God of tender mercies comfort the family. And may you be ever joyous to know that the messages you receive from well-wishers have your best interest at heart as you deal with the lost of your loved one.
Chicago, IL
May 9, 2016
Truly a sad day for basketball. You will be missed. May God support and strengthen your family during this difficult time
May 9, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this time of grief. 1 corinthians 15 : 26.
Richard Lovelace
May 8, 2016
Peace be with you Garf. You left a legacy to be remembered. Now, you are truly one for the ages and get a chance to scout all the great ones. Richard Lovelace, T.H.W.D.
The Watts Family
May 8, 2016
A sad day for basketball. Mr. Garfinkel was a great man. He will be missed by all. Our deepest regrets.
May 8, 2016
My regards to the family. Mr. Howard Garfinkel was loved and appreciated he will be greatly missed. May God grant peace and courage to his loved ones in this difficult time. 1Peter 5:6,7
May 8, 2016
Sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you as you cope with such a loss. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.
G. Freeman
May 8, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Adrian Barnette
May 8, 2016
We'll miss you !
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