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Howard Reich Obituary
And how, you might ask, did Howard Reich get the nickname Hotdog Howie? From a hotdog eating contest about five years ago, when he bested his best friend, Ira Silverman, by a bite. The two were inseparable. "What didn't they do, those two characters? They were always together," said Debbie Silverman, Ira's wife. "The two of them lived on the phone. They were worse than women. I'm not kidding, either."
They were always giggling — no, cackling — together, she said. They would go to oldies concerts with their wives, and out dancing, and when Mr. Silverman made plans to visit his mother's grave on the anniversary of her death, Sept. 14, Mr. Reich promised to go with him.
"He was my rock," Mr. Silverman said. "He was my medicine."
Mr. Reich, 59, worked as a mail clerk at Pitney Bowes in 2 World Trade Center. "At his job, they couldn't wait for him to come in," Mr. Silverman said. "When he went on vacation, they hated it."
And he was famous for wearing suspenders, which his wife, Marilyn, has now given to Mr. Silverman. "When I go on vacation, I'll be wearing his shirt, his suspenders," he said. "So that way I have him with me."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joyce Regan
September 11, 2023
Howie was one of the kindest and gentlest people I have ever had the privilege to meet. I worked in a law firm in the "Lipstick Building" and he would come round with our post. He and I had great chats and he was truly a ray of sunshine in my day. I had gotten stuck in one of the elevators one day and after that I was a bit frightened. If Howie was around, he would take my arm and ride the elevator with me - regardless of what he was doing. I know he is with the angels because he was one here on earth. Howie, your beautiful smile and laugh remains with me forever.
Shandi
September 11, 2022
I just Donated Blood for My local blood drive they do every 9/11 and My Pint Of Blood was Donated In his memory my sticker had Howard Reich Name on it
Roy Simonetti
September 11, 2022
Still in My Heart and Thoughts now after 21 years in Heaven along with your Lively wife, Marilyn, who has since joined you once again. May you BOTH R.I.P. guys.
ROY SIMONETTI
September 11, 2013
HOWIE, WE BECAME FRIENDS BACK IN 1952. WE BOTH LIVED IN THE HUNT'S POINT SECTION OF THE BRONX. YOU WERE ALWAYS A GREAT GUY AND FRIEND. I WILL NEVER FORGET OUR TIMES TOGETHER. REMEMBERING YOU ON THE 12TH ANNIVERSARY IN HEAVEN. REST IN PEACE MY DEAR FRIEND. GONE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN .
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Andy McMillan
September 11, 2013
Let's go Yankees, Let's go Mets!
You loved everyone and everything. I hope they are taking care of you up there!
Andy McMillan
Claire Ruotolo
September 4, 2012
11 years ago...
My mother, Mary Ruotolo, met many people when she worked at the Lip Stick Building in the 90's and the early 2000's. "Did you know anyone who died in the Wrld Trade Center?" I asked her at a very young age. "Yes, I lost Howie." She remember, those suspenders you wore, and you're never ending supply to kindness. I hope one day I will see you in heaven. I know I'm 10 years later than the person who last wrote on this, but Howie, you are not forgotten.
xoxo, Claire Ruotolo (Mary Ruotolo's daughter of Richard and O'Neill's)
Martin Weisberger
May 30, 2012
Howie was one of my closest friends between the years around 1961 to 1963. That was 50 years ago, but he you can never forget him. Years later when I would run in to him, he would remind me of one of our hijinks.
Murray Rosenberg
September 15, 2011
Dear Marilyn, I just wanted to let you know that I still remember you and Howie due to the positive impact you both made.
your godson Ben
Ben Wabnick
September 10, 2009
My uncle Howie was hilarious and had a fantastic zest for life. Great sense of humor and can see the light in any situation.
Wish we could have kept in touch after the move to Florida and now that your gone, Im sorry we didn't but you are and always will be a positive role model for all.
The Duchaine Family
September 11, 2008
God Bless Mr. Reich and his family.
Our Nation will forever feel the loss of this beloved man.
God Speed.
kristine
April 17, 2007
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
February 11, 2007
In remembrance....
Danielle Cyr
September 11, 2006
Howie was a former co-worker of mine at Richards & O’Neil. Howie was a man who loved life. I know so many people say that about others but, in his case, it was true. Every day, he would come in to our offices and talk about his plans with his wife for that evening - to go dining (steak and lobster were his favorites!) or out dancing (or often, both!) He always greeted you like you were a long-lost friend whom he hadn’t seen in ages.
Howie smiled a lot, was always upbeat, and enjoyed himself – really enjoyed himself.
I miss him to this day.
Susan Fambrough
September 9, 2006
Dear Marilyn:
As the 5th anniversary of Sept. 11th approaches I have many thoughts of you and Howie. I worked with Howie at Richards and O'Neil and I can only begin to tell you the smiles and joy he brought to me everyday upon delivering the mail...he would say "Good Morning"..."how about getting those Cajun Cheeseburgers today?". I can only say we never got a chance to have "Cajun Cheeseburgers", yet I think of Howie fondly when remembering those words.
He was such a bright light in everyone's life who knew him and he is truly missed.
May God bless you Marilyn as this anniversary approaches us...Howie was a true "Angel" in this life and is now a true beautiful Guardian Angel...you are in my thoughts and prayers...
Many Blessings,
LUIS GUTIERREZ
July 30, 2006
WELL HOWIE WORKING WITH YOU IN PITNEY BOWES RICHARDSON O NEIL ,I WILL ALWAYAS REMEMBER YOU IN YOUR SUSPENDERS AND YOUR FUNNY HUMOR!YOU'LL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART, NOW AND ALWAYS. ESPECIALLY WHEN I DO MY MAIL RUNS IT FEELS LIKE YOUR STILL WITH ME. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR LOVE ONES, LUIS GUTIERREZ
Norma Silverman
September 14, 2005
I remember Howard Reich from the old neighborhood in the Bronx. I don't remember if I knew him as far back as P.S. 47 on Westchester Avenue, or J.H.S. 125 on Puggsley Avenue, or James Monroe High School on Boyton Avenue. I graduated from Monroe in June, 1965. I went to James Monroe's 80th Anniversary Party on May 1, 2004. I mentioned Howie's name to someone at the party and I was told that he passed away on September 11. I was so sorry to hear this. I probably had not seen him in more than 25 years or 30 years. But I do remember him as someone who was always laughing and telling jokes. It sounds familiar to me that he once delivered something to my company - The Segal Company - when we were located at 730 Fifth Avenue. He said he thought he remembered me and once he told me his name I definitely remembered him.
My condolences go out to his family and friends.
Norma Silverman
Elaine Valentine
July 12, 2004
I think about all the people who lost their lives on the awful day. Their loved ones are on my mind as well. My husband is a service rep. for Pitney Bowes. Your never far from our thoughts.
MARTIN WEISBERGER
April 20, 2004
I KNEW HOWIE AS A TEENAGER IN THE BRONX. HE WAS FUN AND A GENUINELY GOOD GUY.
sarah Brown
September 11, 2003
in my class my teacher has a bottle with all the names and I picked his name after that We had the choice to look at the person or not to I decided that I would. And now from now on until Im to old to remember his name and who he was I will remember that he was at the tade center.
MARILYN REICH
January 19, 2003
DEAR HOWIE
I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERY NIGHT AND REMEMBER ALL THE WONDERFUL TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER OVER THE MANY YEARS WE WERE TOGETHER. ALL OUR FRIENDS ALSO MISS YOU. LOVE YOU STILL. MJARILYN
Diane Poynter
September 11, 2002
Howard,
What a guy you must have been! As a manager at Pitney Bowes, I would have loved to have had you on my team. My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends for a tremendous loss. Your picture remains on the wall at our office. We will not forget. I'm sure your reassuring smile is now lighting up the New York sky.
Pitney Bowes Management Services
Kaz Tanakh
August 20, 2002
Dear Howie:
Even though I have known you from from two jobs ago, I still think of you when I hear a mail cart in the corridor. You always brought a ray of sunshine to my desk. As you delivered mail, you filled my soul with a happy reminder that we should enjoy life and cherish all the simple goodness and blessings that we tend to overlook. You often talked about you and Marilyn going dancing together as you demonstrate your dance steps, like cha cha, and showing off your fancy footwork. You certainly knew how to have fun! Thank you Howie. You have given me one of the most important lessons.
Tina Marie Mulvey
May 29, 2002
Howie,
A day does not go by without me thinking of you. Work is just not the same!! I miss your smile, your gentle ways and your laughter. I always remember your words "How you doing? Life's two short go out and enjoy it! Your a wonder woman Tina and don't you forget it!!, Me and the Mrs are going dancing gonna have me a rum & coke" Hope your having a FEW rum & cokes with my brother in HEAVEN....
I will always remember you HOWIE.
Marilyn, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Howie's one in million.
Love,
Tina
Irwin Himelfelt
April 11, 2002
HOWIE,
I KNOW YOU EVER SINCE WE WERE KIDS...FORTY-SIX YEARS TO BE EXACT.YOU ALWAYS HAD A SMILING FACE AND CHEERFUL DISPOSITION. THESE QUALITIES MADE IT VERY EASY TO BE YOUR FRIEND. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS A PERSON WHO NEVER HAD A BAD WORD TO SAY ABOUT ANYBODY.YOUR WELL KNOWN WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT "HANG IN THERE" GAVE ME HOPE IN TIMES OF STRESS. IF THERE IS A HEAVEN, I KNOW YOU ARE THERE.
Fran Himelfelt
April 11, 2002
Dear Howard,
You are missed a great deal. I will never forget what you did for Irwin when he was so very ill. I am sure you are in heaven with the rest of the angels.
March 29, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...HOWARD REICH AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY...AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
James Mallon
March 17, 2002
I only met Howie once or twice,thru my neighbor Ira...I can only say he had a memorable smile and an easy way about him...You could see how much fun Ira and Howie had...My heart felt sympathy goes out to his family and his best friend Ira....lost but never forgotten.....
Mike Wixman
March 2, 2002
Dear Howie, you will always be remembered
Marilyn Reich
March 2, 2002
Dear Howie, You'll always be my guardian angel.I'll always love you and miss you. Your loving wife, Marilyn
James Lunenfeld
March 2, 2002
Howie. One of my true buddies. We had great times when we got together. We will miss you forever Love, Sandy and Jimmy
IRA SILVERMAN
February 25, 2002
HOWIE
THIS SUMMER AT THE POOL AT LE-HAVRE
WILL NOT BE THE SAME AGAIN. SEEING
YOU RUN AROUND IN YOU'RE BIG BATHING SUIT SMILING AND LAUGHING WITH ME. I MISS YOU SO MUCH. I HOPE
YOU ARE STILL WEARING YOUR SUSPENDERS AND RED SHIRT. MY MOM ALWAYS LOVED YOU ALSO HOWIE. TAKE
CARE OF MOM AND MADDIE FOR US BUDDY.
LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER.
IMAN
HENRY AND JAKI FLORSHEIM
February 25, 2002
HOWIE
How can we ever forget you? That of course is impossible. Those suspenders stand out so everybody
knew it was you. What everybody really remembers is that great smile. Never saw you without a smile.
You never had a bad word for anybody.
Even thou we didn't know you nearly
long enough, you always made us feel
as if we knew you for a lifetime.
That was you Howie.
You will be missed each and every day. May you rest in peace.
HENRY AND JAKI FLORSHEIM
February 25, 2002
HOWIE
How can we ever forget you? That of course is impossible. Those suspenders stood out so everybody
knew it was you. What everybody really remembers is that great smile. Never saw you without a smile.
You never had a bad word for anybody.
Even thou we didn't know you nearly
long enough, you always made us feel
as if we knew you for a lifetime.
That was you Howie.
,
You will be missed each and every day. May you rest in peace.
Henry and Jaki Florsheim
(Brooklyn,New York)
February 25, 2002
IRA SILVERMAN
February 13, 2002
HOWIE, I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. I LOVED YOU LIKE A BROTHER. YOU WERE MY ROCK AND MEDICINE. IT IS HARD TO GO ON BUT I KNOW YOU WOULD WANT ME TO CONTINUE ON WITH LIFE. EVERYONE MISSES YOU SO MUCH. IMAN
Antoinette Abbruzzese
February 12, 2002
Howie,
You always found the time to say something nice to everyone and you always had a smile on your cheery face. I will always remember what a good man you were and how you always left me smiling and thinking, "that Howie, what a guy". God blessed us with a wonderful man like you, may he keep you close to him forever.
Pat Myren
February 11, 2002
His smile and sense of humor will always stay with those who knew him.
Elaine Barry
January 15, 2002
He always had a good word -- "How are you doing, Elaine?" Always a smile. The world was a better place for having Howie in it.
Teresa Jahn
December 15, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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