Howard Salsitz

January 3, 1946 - September 26, 2024 Resident of Fullerton, CA

Howard Seldon Salsitz, a beacon of kindness and a wellspring of laughter, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2024 (Elul 23, 5784), surrounded by family, pets, and the sound of laughter as they shared stories in his honor. He was 78 years old.

Born into the dawn of the baby boom generation, Howard's roots ran deep into the cultural soil of West Virginia. A proud alumnus of Parkersburg High School and later Marshall University, Howard's early life was filled with the camaraderie and spirit of a true Big Red and Thundering Herd fan.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Rhondi Ann Vilott Salsitz, who passed just weeks earlier on July 29, 2024. He also mourned the loss of his parents, his brother Robert Salsitz, his granddaughter Molly Salsitz, and his son-in-law Charles Ervin.

As a Vietnam-era Navy veteran, Howard served aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42). His love for American muscle cars was legendary, particularly his fondness for the Pontiac GTO. After his military service, he returned to academia, graduating from Marshall University with a degree in Social Work, before transitioning into sales, where he helped elevate WD-40 from an automotive niche to a household staple.

Howard also obtained a law degree, which he later utilized in retirement as a court-appointed arbitrator, always striving to bring justice and resolution to conflicts. His professional success was only surpassed by his dedication to his family. He is survived by his children, Aaron Salsitz (Emilie) and Maureen Salsitz (Stuart Lawson), as well as his stepchildren, James Greening (Jennifer) and Jessica Ervin, whom he loved with equal and boundless affection. Along with his children, Howard's grandchildren, Tyler Greening, Alexander Salsitz, Jocelyn Ervin, and his brother Richard Salsitz, continue to carry on his legacy.

Howard's life was not without its quirks; he had a notorious fear of heights, famously avoiding glass elevators, and humorously declared "snow" to be a four-letter word, preferring to bask in Southern California's sunshine. His humor was as infectious as his laughter was frequent, often shared through his favorite dad jokes. He was an early adopter of technology, from cell phones and Palm Pilots to iPhones, and had a knack for calling everyone at unexpected times, ensuring they knew they were on his mind.

His home was a sanctuary not just for his family but also for his pets-cats Ziggy and Majick, and dog Milo, who provided him comfort in his final days. Howard was a friend to many, too many to list without turning this memorial into a novel, but it would be remiss not to mention Richard, Charlie, Ingrid, Josie, Bob, Ron, Georgette, Sheila, Howard, Michael, Owen, Jack, Tad, Steve, Bill, Kirk, Jim, and many others who shared in his journey from West Virginia to California.

Howard Salsitz will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to making others feel valued. His legacy lives on not just in the hearts and memories of his children, grandchildren, and lifelong friends, but in the lives he touched with his kindness, laughter, and timely (or untimely) phone calls.