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BORN
1975
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
18840 W. Dixie Hwy
North Miami Beach, Florida
Howard Kleinberg Obituary
July 31, 1975 - July 22, 2022
Hollywood, Florida - Passed away unexpectedly at 46 years old on July 22, 2022. Known as "Chef Howie" to his friends and family, he loved to cook and went on to compete on Top Chef. Inspired by his love of barbecue and summers spent in North Carolina, he opened his own restaurant, Bulldog BBQ. He later went on to pursue more fine dining options. Participating annually in the South Beach Wine and Food Festival was a great source of pride for him. Howie is survived by his mother, Susan Kleinberg Ratner and stepfather, Ken Ratner. His sister, Amy (William) Wildstein and their three children Whitney, Lindsey, and Phillip and his beloved dog Skye. Donations in Howie's memory may be made to Bullies-N-Beyond Rescue through PayPal at [email protected] or to Feeding South Florida, www.feedingsouthflorida.org. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 26th at Levitt-Weinstein, 18840 W. Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, (305) 932-2700
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Kleinberg
31 Entries
Sharon
July 19, 2025
Big personality. He made an impact on everyone he met. Fantastic chef. We will always miss him.
Sharon
July 20, 2024
On this second anniversary of Howie´s passing, I still remember him as a fun, fabulous chef!
Tracie fonville
June 2, 2024
Enjoyed Howie on top chef. He was a great competitor on there.
Toby Ginsburg cohen
November 16, 2023
Rest In Peace. Sincerely. Ms Toby Ginsburg Cohen
Beth
July 29, 2023
I didn't know Howie, but I'm watching old Top Chefs, and Howie touched me so much--his dedication to his work, and his willingness to leave rather than allow Brian to be sent home--it just blew me away. I had to see where he was now, so that hopefully I could visit his restaurant someday. So I Googled, and found this awful news. I cried. I just wanted to let his family know how sorry I am for your loss. He truly seemed like a great guy. May he rest in peace.
Sharon Brager
February 20, 2023
Still remember his big personality and fantastic cooking!!!
Whitney
February 19, 2023
even 7 months later. i wanna say that i´m still thinking about you. i remember running into your office and giving you the biggest hug every time we went to bulldog. you´d always sit with us during our meal and bring out the huge s´more or chocolate chip cookies. i miss you uncle howie.
Asher Roebuck
July 29, 2022
Chef I will miss you and love you forever. I remember the fun times we had at Ivy and Food Gang. You taught me so much about food and about being a better man. we will miss you Greatly.
Jodi Olson
July 28, 2022
I am so sad to hear of the passing of your beloved Howard. Sending you love and strength. Rip Howard
Stephenie Whitfield
July 28, 2022
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved brother and relative.
Barbara and Chuck Neustein
July 28, 2022
We are so very sorry to hear of Howie's passing. Our thoughts are with you. Our daughter Alison went to school with Howie and also sends her sincere condolences.
Janet Krutchik
July 27, 2022
Susan, so sorry to hear of your loss...went to his barbacue restaurant in NMB , many years ago, and lost touch.zFrom that brief meeting, l could tell what a great job you did... even see a little piece of cousin Wally on his face.
I am offering my sincere sympathy and regards to the rest of the family.
If u want to get in touch with me, call OLLi, at the UM and they will give me your number
Take care, be well, and say , "Hi", to Gloria D, from me, if you are still friends.
Sending you a Covid hug!
Angela Y Perry
July 27, 2022
Thank you Chef Howie for the amazing food that was put out on Top Chef 3. May you rest in peace.
Kristin
July 27, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. I just knew Howie from TV but was touched by his passion and kind eyes. May he continue to cook in Heaven.
Janet
July 27, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Asher Roebuck
July 26, 2022
Chef I love you and will always miss you!! You taught me about food but more about life
Sharon & Kenny
July 26, 2022
Our hearts are with you.
Sharon Brager
July 26, 2022
I remember and loved Howie Kleinberg on Top Chef. He was passionate about food. R. I. P.
Suzanne Rosen
July 26, 2022
May Howie's light shine on
Fran & Mike Karp
July 26, 2022
Dearest Susan and Amy,
Our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved "Howie"! As his father before him he was blessed with a wonderful, caring heart. Also, as his father before him he left this earth too soon.!!!! May the love of family and friends help you through yet another painful chapter in your lives! Our deepest sympathies and love to all of you.
"Howie and Wally" will always have a special place in our hearts. With All Our Love, Fran & Mike Karp
Dr. Arlene Amarant
July 26, 2022
I taught Howie in elementary school. Years later, at his restaurant in North Miami, his waitress surprised me by bringing out his gift of milk and cookies. I´ll always think of him fondly.
Sally Stern
July 26, 2022
Dear Susan,
I was crushed to find out about the devastating loss of your son, Howie. All I could think was, "how was this possible!?" My heart breaks for you, Amy and the family. I know Howie was a wonderful, gifted and accomplished man, son and brother and will be missed beyond words. It´s so sad that he left us so early. I pray that G-d sends you the superhuman strength needed to get through these dark days. May you have comfort in knowing that his father and uncle are there to welcomed him on his journey. All my love, Sally
Kim and Jon Leoni
July 25, 2022
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Howie. His talent and skills touched many lives who savored his amazing culinary abilities. We wish you all the comfort of many cherished memories.
Debbie Freedline
July 25, 2022
Susan,
Sending our condolences to you and your family. We are thinking of you.
Deborah Freedline
July 25, 2022
Susan
Sending our condolences to you and your family.
Debbie and Randy Freedline
July 25, 2022
Susan, Sending condolences to you and your family.
Debbie and Randy Freedline
Klarberg Family
July 25, 2022
Our sincere condolences
Renee Doug Deb and Mollie
Sharon Watson
July 25, 2022
My deepest condolences.
May his memory be a blessing.
Riki Altman-Yee
July 25, 2022
Chef Howie was a fun, kind, big-hearted man. He made me try my first Luther burger and introduced me to the magic of burnt ends. May he Rest In Peace and May his memory be a blessing.
Alina Cuesta
July 25, 2022
Dear Susan,
I am so sorry for your loss; please accept my sincerest condolences.
Please know, that I am thinking of you and your family.
God Bless you.
Michael Jacobs
July 24, 2022
I´m am without words how much this saddens me to read and hear about this....
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
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Memorial Events
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Jul
26
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg, Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapels18840 W. Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33180
Funeral services provided by:
Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg, Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapels18840 W. Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33180
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