Howard Reich Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

New York, New York

The Rock in a Friend's Life
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."

Not sure what to say?

Get email updates for this page

Posting Guidelines|FAQ

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...

Joyce Regan

September 11, 2023 | New York, NY | Coworker

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

Shandi

September 11, 2022 | Other

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, 2022

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 .

ROY SIMONETTI

September 11, 2013 | BRONX, NY

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

Andy McMillan

September 11, 2013 | Simsbury, CT

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...

Claire Ruotolo

September 04, 2012 | NY

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.

Martin Weisberger

May 30, 2012 | TInton Falls, NJ

Dear Marilyn, I just wanted to let you know that I still remember you and Howie due to the positive impact you both made.

Murray Rosenberg

September 15, 2011 | Binghamton, NY

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.

Ben Wabnick

September 10, 2009 | Orlando, FL

Howard Reich

About

Obituary

Guest Book