DR. JOSEPH A. HOWARD

Uncle Joe was always special to me. Someone that I was proud to have in my family. I always knew he was a special person to a lot of people, but it wasn't until his memorial that I saw a small sampling that made me realize the magnitude of his influence on others. I will think of him often, and will make sure to keep his memory alive. You never know Uncle Joe, I just might pick up that trombone again and start playing. Rest in peace. You nephew - Michael Baker

Joe Howard taught piano to me and my sister for several years in the 60s. He was a delightful man - always warm, kind, and with a true love of music which he imparted to us. In later years I heard him play and he was always thrilled to see me and interested in my family. I will always remember sitting in the waiting room of his Sherbrook home and smelling his wife Joan's cooking because we took our lessons before dinner. She would offer to give us some of their dinner to take home!

To the Howard family... it was an honor knowing Joe... He was a tremendous musician and a wonderful person... We had many interesting discussions about music and I will miss him a lot....I'm sorry that I couldn't attend his funeral, but I just found out last night..... Sleep well my friend...

Joe's musical abilities and my listening to him surpass words. Words are inadequate to express my admiration for the use of his God-given talents including his keen intellect while he was in our time and space. Joe told me he loved church music...my belief is that he is now experiencing in heaven what "eye has not seen, nor ear has heard"...Pax domini to him and to you!

I met Dr. Howard in the late '70's when I attended Tri-C Western campus, taking Music Theory. His knowledge, energy and enthusiasm had a great influence on me at the time. I ended up playing with him on several different occasions and studying jazz improvisation at the Cleveland Music Settlement as well. One of my favorite memories is playing at CIM when Joe arranged a "History of Jazz" show which included my performing on the last few pieces. People were seated all around us and it was being...

Back in 1975, I was a high school senior, just getting serious about music. I had the good fortune to study with Dr. Howard at the Settlement. He was the right person for me at the right time. Dr. Howard knew what I needed to learn and went about it with great joy and professionalism. I learned so much from Dr. Howard in a very short time. Within one year, he gave me the piano and theory I needed to get into Kent State's music school. As I look back now, Dr. Howard was the first important...

I met Joe in 1966 when my family moved to Solon and I was befriended by his daughter Cathy on the school bus as we began our freshman year at Lumen Cordium High School. It so happened my new best friend had incredibly nice, fun parents who welcomed me into their home with such warmth and enthusiasm that I still can't believe how blessed I was. And I'll be forever grateful for the lifeline of comfort and support they provided for me and my family when my mother died in 1968. Their beautiful...

Whenever I had free time before or after a gig, I'd stop at Bongiornio's and study at the feet of the master. What a great accompanist. Towards the end, Joe was on a lot of pain medication and, frankly, sometimes he'd forget the bridge to a tune, or lose his place. But to hear how he'd work it back...Sometimes I was the only one in the room who knew what he had just done, and our eyes would meet, and I'd laugh, or usually salute. We've all lost a great teacher and a great friend.