Howard D. Hirsch

Howard David Hirsch passed away on November 27th at his home in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 92. Born to Albert and Anna (Fantus) Hirsch on July 3, 1930 in Chicago, Howard was the youngest of three boys. His insatiable curiosity was evident even as a child. The tales of his mischief and (mis) adventures were legendary. Fortunately, as he got older, he channeled his creativity and boundless energy into more productive ventures: successful businessman, world traveler, art patron and collector, philanthropist, and husband/father/papa/great grandpa extraordinaire.

Howard fell in love at first sight with his wife of 41 years, Judith Brode, when he saw her from across the room at a Standard Club dance in Chicago. They married in 1957 and had three children: daughters Laurie and Amy and son Ronald. Like a true "Renaissance man", Howard followed his many passions wherever they led: from sports like tennis, golf, fishing, and scuba diving to diverse hobbies such as knitting, cooking, playing the piano, painting, and even song writing. He took Tai Chi and Pilates lessons years before anyone had ever heard of them. He shared his love of adventure with his family through incredible trips across the world filled with fun, excitement, and occasional mishaps that only enhanced the experiences. Always the trendsetter, Howard often asked the question, "What can I do that has never been done before?" which led to a number of innovations such as becoming the first male Boy Scout den "mother" in Glencoe, Sunday dinners at obscure ethnic restaurants all over the city, and the newest tradition - weekly family zoom meetings that started during the pandemic and continued up until the week before his death.

Howard's second loves were art and philanthropy. He was an avid collector of paintings and sculptures. In addition to his own private collection, he commissioned several large-scale sculptures across Chicagoland including at his plant at Pioneer, Ravinia Festival, the village of Glencoe and the city of Chicago where they can still be seen today. He wanted to build his own large scale "rainbow arch" in his backyard in Glencoe. Unfortunately, it was against the zoning laws so it ended up at his beloved farm in rural Hillsboro, Wisconsin.

Professionally, Howard and his brother Robert started Pioneer Screw & Nut Company, one of the largest and most successful privately-owned fastener manufacturing companies. He often chuckled as he referred to himself as "the screw tycoon". After Pioneer, Howard created the not-for-profit Hirsch Farm Project with his daughter Laurie. The 10-year innovative arts-based think tank documented prominent issues in the visual arts during the decade of the 1990's. In addition, always a steward of the land, long before it was fashionable, Howard sponsored several joint ventures with local environmental groups at the farm as a model for sustainable farming practices and ecological preservation.

After his move to Arizona around 2000, Howard met and married his second wife of 22 years, Loretta (Lori) Maling. He continued his philanthropic endeavors by founding the "Five Arts Circle". Born from a casual conversation on a golf course (of course), Howard wanted a fun and easy way to expose and immerse "snowbirds" in the local art scene. Twenty plus years later, the 5 Arts Circle has not only provided millions of dollars to support five iconic arts organizations but has also created a vibrant and thriving new group of art patrons in the Phoenix area.

Howard is survived by his wife Loretta (Lori) Maling Hirsch, daughter Laurie Hirsch Winter (longtime partner Marvin Frank and ex husband John Winter), son Ronald Hirsch, granddaughters Jennifer Winter (Nick Barnes) and Allison Winter, and great granddaughter Emma Joy Barnes (who was named after Howard's favorite grandmother). He had a large extended family in the Chicago area on his mother's (Fantus) side whom he loved dearly including sister-in-law Josephine Hirsch Sloan (Richard Hirsch and Bud Sloan both deceased), cousins Leonard Worsek (Barbara deceased), and Edith (Fantus) DeMar (David deceased). Nieces Gail Hirsch Neiman (Bill) and Ellen Hirsch Fiely (Bill), and nephews Gary Hirsch (Millie Fenton) and Alan Hirsch (deceased) as well as many great/great great cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his brother-in-law David Brode (Christine), niece Taylor Brode and nephew Douglas Brode. In Arizona, Howard was equally loved by his helper and best buddy Bruce Raben, as well as his large circle of friends and associates. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Judith (Brode) Hirsch, his daughter Amy Hirsch, his brothers Richard and Robert Hirsch, and his brother-in-law George Brode, Jr (Sandra).

Howard led an extraordinary life filled with an abundance of fun, creativity, joy, and love. His zest for life and positivity were truly contagious. His kindness and generosity left an indelible mark on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing.

There will be a funeral, stone unveiling ceremony, and a celebration of life for Howard in the spring of 2023 to honor his amazing life. To continue his legacy of generosity and charitable giving, donations in Howard's memory can be made to Jewish Federation, the Five Arts Circle in Arizona, or any other charity that's meaningful to you.