Howard J King

Howard Jeffrey King, “Howie”, passed away on February 13, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and community spirit that will resonate for years to come. Born on July 12, 1960, Howie lived in South River from the age of 5. His contagious smile and enthusiastic spirit inspired many. Howie loved South River and South River loved him. He was a loving and caring individual, known to all for his kindness and warmth.

Howie was a proud alumnus of South River High School and Middlesex County College.During his entire time in high school, Howie was the team manager for the football,basketball and baseball teams.He loved this role and he was an integral part of each team, bonding with his teammates, the coaches, and the fans. During his time at Middlesex County College, Howie continued this fulfilling role, managing both the basketball and baseball teams.

After graduation, Howie continued his support for his beloved Rams as their #1 fan. He was lovingly called “Mr. South River” and thoroughly enjoyed this title. His passion for the Rams extended to every South River sporting event, where his presence was not just welcomed but cherished. Howie was a fixture in the stands, embodying what it meant to be a true Ram fan.

Howie’s love for sports did not stop with the Rams. He was a big Mets, Giants and Rangers fan, as well. As a young man, he enjoyed going to see these teams as often as possible, often traveling to different states to do so. When this was no longer possible,Howie religiously watched them on TV, never missing a game.

For a large part of his adult life, Howie was employed by Shop Rite in the bakery department, where he delighted countless customers and fellow employees with his warm smile and friendly demeanor. Over the years, Howie worked at the East Brunswick Shop Rite, as well as the North Brunswick and Edison locations.

Howie loved his family and they loved him dearly. He never forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary, and he always made sure he connected with them all on every holiday. He was known to leave colorful voicemails which they will now treasure for years to come. Howie’s loving parents, Jerry and Natalie King, predeceased him, leaving a hole in his heart that he filled with the love and memories of his cherished family. He is survived by his sisters, Audrey Fenton and her husband Charles of South River, and Michele Norman and her husband Gary of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. His nieces and nephews, Nikki Rizco and her husband Ryan, Shawn Fenton, Jessica Hall, and Devon Norman, were constant sources of joy for him, as were his two great-nieces, Madison and Brooke. Howie’s familly will all carry his spirit forward, remembering the laughter and love he shared with them.

A graveside service will be held at King Solomon Memorial Park in Clifton, NJ, on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial at The Crabiel Home For Funerals, 170 N Main St.-at Riva Avenue, Milltown, NJ, on Saturday, February 21st , from 2:00 - 5:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate the beautiful life of Howard J. King, a man whose joy for life and love for his family will never be forgotten. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the King Memorial Scholarship fund, established in 2004, or to Howard's family for the unexpected funeral costs. You may sign the condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com

There has been a GoFund Me set up to help with expenses at https://gofund.me/6f1725ebf