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Howard Gralla Obituary
Howard I. Gralla, 77, died peacefully at home on February 8, 2024, with his wife of 30 years, Linda Schultz, at his side. In the last few weeks, as he moved to the end of a difficult battle with cancer, Howard had a chance to visit with beloved friends and family and reminisce about a life well-lived. Besides Linda, he is survived by his sister, Rona Gralla.
Born November 29, 1946, to Reuben and Charlotte (Rothbardt) Gralla, Howard graduated from Planedge High School. At the age of 16, as he described it, he "accidentally" developed a life-long love of opera after reluctantly listening to a recording at the urging of a friend's father. He completed his undergraduate degree at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1968 before graduating from Yale with a Master of Fine Arts in 1975 and beginning a long and accomplished career in book design.
His experience as a staff designer at Yale University Printing eventually led him to venture out on his own with Howard Gralla Book Design, where he designed art books and museum exhibition publications for Yale University, Morgan Library and Museum, Eakins Press Foundation, Boston Athenaeum, and other institutions. In addition, Howard enthusiastically shared his knowledge as an Instructor at RIT and at Yale, where he developed and taught an Undergraduate Residential College Seminar in "The Art of the Book." One former student, herself now an award-winning architect and designer, described him as an ongoing influence, a "wonderful mentor, so wise and kind and generous and talented."
Funeral services were held February 9, at Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI), with interment following at Beth El Cemetery on Warner Street in Hamden.
Howard, who was passionate about BEKI and an essential voice in planning the redesign of the sanctuary, asked that donations in his memory be made to the BEKI Sanctuary Redesign Fund. Visit https://www.beki.org/about/make-a-donation/ to do so. The Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home is in care of arrangements, to sign an online registry book or to leave a message of condolence, please visit: www.shurefuneralhome.com .
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Gralla
Sponsored by NHRegister.com.
12 Entries
Carl Gross
August 17, 2025
Hi,
I was very sorry to learn that Howard passed away.
Howard and I were good friends back in the seventies at RIT.
We used to listen to Renaissance music while setting type by hand and printing letterpress.
Howard and I also enjoyed going to classical music concerts in Rochester.
I used to visit Howard while he was working on his MFA at Yale
I am sorry that we lost contact.
Gary Montgomery
November 30, 2024
I had Howard for a typesetting class at RIT. He was an excellent teacher and had a very kind manner about him. He is the instructor that I learned the most from. My condolences to his family!
Thank you Mr. Gralla for all your help and wisdom!
Don Dehoff
November 21, 2024
While working at The Meriden Gravure Company I often worked with Howard on books he was designing. Howard was always very professional, knowing exactly how he wanted the finished book to look.
The finished book was always beautiful!
Barry Strom
November 19, 2024
I knew Howard many years ago when I was a freshman at RIT (1965). For a number years after he graduated from RIT. I would see him on the High Holidays at ICC (Israel Community Center in Levittown NY). He was always very kind and even then he seemed very talented. I probably last saw him in the early 70s. I just saw today in the RIT alumni magazine that he had passed away. My condolences to his family.
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William Keller
September 5, 2024
Howard was introduced to me by Greer Allen, Yale University Printer. Howard helped me with a visit to the typefounding shop of Michael and Winifred Bixler in Somerville, Mass. I helped him find graphics for a series of reports he designed for the Cary Trust. Howard was a memorable friend; please accept my condolences.
Barbara Frey Waxman
April 21, 2024
IHoward was a classmate of mine at Plainedge High. He was smart , kind, and a good actor in our production of "Our Town." So glad to learn of his talent and passion for book design. My sympathies to his family on their loss.
Ronnie Tillotson Barrows
April 17, 2024
So very sorry to of Howard´s passing. Sincere sympathies to his wife and family.
Matt Horn
April 15, 2024
Hamokom yenachem et-chem b'toch sha-ar aveillei tzion v' yerushalayim.
Howard and I were in High school plays together Our town and All My Sons. I remember him as a really nice kid. He was the only polite kid on our bus to school. Matt Horn
Carol Friedman
February 16, 2024
Although we had not seen each other in many years I have fond memories of my cousin Howie ! Xox Carol Friedman
David and Tanya Fischer
February 12, 2024
Very sorry to hear - I recall fondly our interactions with Howard and Linda when we lived down the street on Knollwood Drive. Linda we hope you find comfort soon.
Marx-Schonberger Family
February 12, 2024
We will so miss our beloved friend Howard and send all our love and support to his dear Linda. Howard's memory will live on as a blessing in our memories and in his legacy of love for our family.
Laura & Howard Bloom
February 11, 2024
To a dear friend who we shared many happy events together. We enjoyed our conversations with Howard & Passover seders. A wonderful neighbor when we lived on Mumford Street. He will truly be missed. May his family be comforted amongst the mourners of Jerusalem & Zion. Laura & Howard Bloom
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