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Dustin Howell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Dustin Howell
Afriendm
August 25, 2025
Dustin,
Love and miss you.
Uncle Bruce
August 31, 2009
“About A Year Ago”
I’m thinking of you Dustin
I’m missing you these days
My sadness grows remembering
Your sweet and loving ways
We lost you about a year ago
We hadn’t any clue
That when waking up that morning
God had other plans for you
All so sudden and so tragic
All so painful and so sad
All so final and so certain
All enough to drive me mad
I’ll pray for you this evening
For your soul to rest in peace
You’re in a better place now,
That I’ll pray for you tonight.
AMEN
August 30, 2009
Dust,
Thinking of you always and missing you.
Chris
You will forever be in our hearts Dustin
August 28, 2009
August 28, 2009
August 28, 2009
Lucky Dexa
August 27, 2009
Yo man, sorry I didn't post this sooner. It's too hard for me and still is. I remember last year around this time. You showed up at my b-day party just a few days prior on August 21st and finally got to meet my new born daughter. After I got transfered to another store we didn't see each other much. We'd only hang out about once every other month for about 3 years. Before that it was almost everyday. Then Tiffany calls me a few day after my party with the news. I'm sorry it took so long for me to write anything on here. I get kind of emotional, and am in tears writing this now. You were always a true friend and I'll never forget it. When I'd get in to trouble you'd always find that silver lining. A few weeks ago Joy gave me a picture that she had of you and Tiffany at the company picnic. You looked so happy, and full of life. I know it might sound kind of insensitive but I try not to think of you too much because I start crying everytime your name comes up. No one around here talks to me about you because they know how I will get when your name is brought up. They want to talk to me about it but I was just so out of it when I found out the news. Everyone is so cautious around me. Dustin, I didn't just lose a friend I've also lost a brother that I never had. Thanks for being there for me all those years buddy. And I shall see when I get there.... Love you Man
July 27, 2009
Dear Dusty, where are you?
- In heaven, I suppose - if there is such a place.
- Where is that guy who, when he entered a room, made everyone feel good about him or herself?
- Where is that guy who would listen to music and could pick it up and play it on the piano?
- Where is that guy who resides in all of us who knew Dusty and loved him for the gentle person he was - and is.
Dusty is and always will be in our hearts because of his honesty, goodness and naivete.
I don't know of a person who was so good at being a friend to everyone he knew.
I don't know of anyone who always felt throughout that everything was OK - even when it wasn't.
Dusty will be with us when we feel we are failing -- his kindred spirit will see us through on our own journey.
He thought nothing could hurt him.
Dustin was a beautiful person who didn't have to die. Dustin existed for so much - nothing can explain his death.
Rest in peace, son. I miss you and love you, and hope if there is a life after, to see you again.
Love, Dad.
July 9, 2009
Dustin,
You are deeply missed in Seattle. You will remain in our hearts forever. It's been almost a year, but yet I still think I see you walking on the streets of Capitol Hill. I feel honored to have meet someone like you. Thank you for being you!
Roy Howell
April 13, 2009
Please email me at [email protected] -- who the person is who made the April 11, 2009 entry to Dustin's Legacy Book.
Thanks, Roy Howell
April 11, 2009
Dustin,
you were beautiful. flying, oysters, on a beach.
Rhoda Levin
December 25, 2008
I remember Dustin ... Last year Roy spent Christmas with Dustin, Tiffany and her girls in Seattle. They tootled around Seatle and were "two happy campers" being together! I remember Dustin ... in 1995 Roy and I took him shopping - for three tailored suits, shirts, ties and a briefcase for job interviews in the financial field. Dustin looked ever so handsome and he was ever so proud! I remember Dustin ... when we went to the South Street Seaport for Mother's Day in 1995. We said a prayer for his Mom, Leonora, and enjoyed a wonderful dinner and evening together. I remember Dustin ... when he stayed with Roy, Ari and I in Manhattan after our wedding in October 1995, for a few weeks before he left for Seattle. Ari was 11. I remember Dustin ... sitting at the old piano from Tuxedo Park playing together with Ari - they were enamored with each other - Dustin with Ari as the younger brother he never had, and Ari with Dustin as the older brother he never had - each with their individual affection and respect for each other. Ari was sad when Dustin left and asked when he was coming back. To this day, Ari plays piano with his fond memories of Dustin. I remember Dustin ... for his love, gentleness and respect, sense of humor and loving kindness. I remember Dustin ... May God bless him.
Lilly
December 10, 2008
Dustin,
We think of you every day. We always did and always will.
Ken Howell
November 22, 2008
This is Ken. I guess everybody knows where I am. Drinking, driving, bad decision. I was on my bunk reading the book of Matthew when my name came over the loudspeaker, to go to the officers' station.The guard told me I had to go see the Chaplain. There's only one reason for that. My first thought was to pray and I did. I prayed to Jesus and said I love you and trust you. I don't know the reason for this, please comfort me. His Holy Spirit is called "The Comforter". This is the message Dustin taught me that day. Two years ago I would have gotten mad and took my anger out on something. He showed me the difference in me now. I didn't handle the test in my old self. And this was a huge test. The Chaplain told me about Dustin. My heart did break and I cried. I'll miss him, for now. The nest day I was writing a letter to Tifany asking her about Dustin's beliefs and if he had faith in God. At that moment I picked up my bible and asked God to give me a sign about Dustin. Would he be in heaven. With my eyes closed I opened it up and blindly put my finger on John 11:23. It landed exactly on "Your brother will rise again".
I could go on and on and quote many scriptures about resurrection. This was the perfect answer to my question. Read it and judge for yourself: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. 51-Listen I telll you a mystery.We will not all sleep, but we will be changed. 52-In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed.
Jesus says also our bodies will be risen and rejoned with our spirits and we will be given new bodies in heaven. This was the perfect answer to my question. NO OTHER VERSE IN THE WHOLE BIBLE EXPLICITLY USES brother AND rise again "together".
Dustin is missed greatly, but he is going to heaven and with God in paradise. He had all the childlike qualities Jesus talked about, that would bring you to heaven. He was a gentle soul. That's what God wants us all to be. Dustin had it in him naturally. He had all the fruits of the spirit.: Galations 5:22-The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. He possessed all of these. Dustin was awesome. I wrote him this poem that night:
-I miss you little brother you've taught me a lot, Your message to me showed how far I've got.
-The day you passed by heart broke and I cried,, I prayed to Jesus the Holy Spirit inside.
-He comforted me in my time of need, He let me know where you would be, You're going to heaven and glory you'll see, Jesus and angels, surrounding thee.
-He offers his fruits; these you had all, It was natural for you, what a beautiful soul.
-I love you my brother, For now you sleep. When Jesus comes you'll be called to your feet.
We can all see him again. Just believe. John 3:16.
Dustin's spirit goes on forever more. He's made it through heaven's doors.
Your brother, Ken. I love you.
Jorge Pineiro
November 12, 2008
Hello all,
What can I say about Dustin that you don't already know. He was a very loving person with a huge heart, He always kept a positive attitude and would give you the shirt off of his own back if need be. DUSTIN you will be missed dearly not only by your relatives but by all of your friends. You will never be forgotten, We love you and will one day see you again.
Cathy Bilello - Maniaci
October 12, 2008
Mr. Howell,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Dustin. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will pray for you to have the strength you will need to get through this difficult time. Remember , Jesus conquered the grave. It is not good-bye ; just so-long,until I see you again. May God Bless you and your family always. With love, Cathy Bilello Maniaci
Gary Bilello
October 12, 2008
Dear Howell Family:
I just heard of Dustin’s passing and although it’s probably been close to 2 decades since I’ve seen many of you, it hit me hard. I find myself sitting with tears and an empty heart as I write this note. Growing up, I was like the adopted son and addition to the Howell family, as I was the baby of 4 children and my Dad passed when I was only 3 years old. Kenny, Bobby and I were best friends and Christine was a cherished friend as well. Lee and Roy always included me as one of their own, even on many of the family trips to other relatives’ houses. Dustin was like the little brother I always wanted. We called him “Pots” when he was growing up because he had a little potbelly. It wasn’t to be mean; instead, we used it as a term of endearment that just described one of his physical traits. He liked the nickname, like that of one assigned by the Indians tribal elders: Little Bull; Running Bear; or Soaring Eagle. It belonged to him and was assigned by those who he respected and loved him. He was the youngest of “Our Tribe.”
I hadn’t seen Dustin since before he entered his teens but remember him vividly. I remember the earlier and simpler days: riding bicycles, go-carts, mini-bikes, and lighting fireworks. He loved fireworks. I remember: Kenny, Bobby and I used to set off our works and Dustin was always with us…at a safe distance. However, every July in his younger years, Dustin used to scour the neighborhood finding firecrackers that never went off from mats that were lit by others. He would stockpile them and bring them to Bobby, Kenny and me, and we would light them with him, or for him as the fuses were often very short. It was our way of making sure he wouldn’t just do it by himself, as we could not stop him from finding dangerous stuff throughout the neighborhood. This guaranteed he would involve us as we would not take them away and he would be involved in the fruits of his labor. I remember, he used to watch us (Kenny, Bobby and me) gather all the garbage cans on Marie Place to setup at the end of our kid fabricated ramps from which we would launch ourselves on our bicycles (constructed of remnants from past bicycles destroyed by this practice) over the lined up steel garbage cans…like Evil Knievel used to jump over the lined up cars. We all got a charge over watching Kenny come speeding down the block and fly over 13 or so cans, as Lee – Mrs. Howell would scream from the Kitchen window or porch, “STOP!! I want you guys to put back all those pals and break that ramp up.” Every so often there was the threat of telling Mr. Howell when he got home from work if we did not follow the instructions immediately.
Hey it’s: BIBS; The other half of the Manzi’s Incorporated; Bilello; or just Gary. I miss all you guys and have thought of you over the years. I tried to look you up on the net but had no success. It has been to long and life is to short. I will contact you through an email and hope to share many more old memories and create new ones as well.
I am thankful for having known Dustin in his childhood years. He was a happy and unbelievable force since birth. He was much younger than us but we loved having him around because he was so “cool” and fun. I often thought of him and the Howell family over the years and realize that those early years helped form all of us into the people we are today. And Dustin’s life and memory will continue to live on in all us and guide us.
I love you all and miss you,
Gary
Dustin, Brian, and Tom
October 9, 2008
Dustin & Arthur
September 24, 2008
Dustin & Tiffany - Roy, Bobby, Shari visit to Seattle
September 24, 2008
Dustin at Justin & Wendy's wedding in Chicago
September 24, 2008
Roy, Shari, Dustin in Seattle - Christmas 2004
September 24, 2008
Shari, Tiffany & Dustin - Christmas 2004
September 24, 2008
1999 - Dustin,Lilly, Arthur, and Norman cat
September 24, 2008
Love, Arthur
September 23, 2008
Hi Dad, you were a good dad. I love you very much. I miss you very much and wish you were still here.
Love always, Dad
September 23, 2008
Dusty - Someone a long time ago asked me which of my 4 children I loved the best. What a ridiculous question! Each one is so precious in so many ways. I was fortunate to have 4 children who became adults who I love unconditionally.
Dustin has passed and I still see him in people on the street. I see him in young men in shaggy clothes. Men who walk or tilt their heads in a certain way. I see him every day on the streets of New York City.
I see him, knowing that it is not him - but him, just the same. He's with me in my thoughts, and maybe he's watching over me as I used to watch over him.
One day, such a Dustin may get into my cab and I won't know what to say or do. But I will be reminded of my Dusty and be happy to see him again.
Christmas 2002-Seattle-Roy, Bobby, & Shari visit!
September 21, 2008
Christmas 2002
September 21, 2008
January 2000
September 21, 2008
Joseph Fraher
September 20, 2008
I remember meeting Dustin for the first time at Christine's Wedding. His big smile is the first thing that comes to mind...his smile made you smile. He accepted me into the family right away and through all the chaos of the wedding he made sure to check in on me and to make me welcome. I remember how Mom loved him so...
Julie and I are sorry we were not able to make it to the funeral our jobs would not give us the time. We offer our condolences to everyone.
God bless you Dustin...rest in peace brother...
Love,
Joe and Julie Fraher
Shari Gerson
September 19, 2008
It has been 16 years since I met and fell in love with Bobby and became part of this wonderful, loving, family. I first met Dustin at the house in Tuxedo Park and, not knowing me, he of course grabbed me in a huge bear hug, and said "Welcome to the family!" Being nervous at meeting all of Bobby's family, it made me feel so special. That's how it always was with Dustin through the years, from when we went to stay with him for a week at Christmas with Roy, to all the visits to Florida to see how we lived. His kind, loving nature always shone through with every gesture and every laugh. From all the conversations through the years, to the hilarious stories he filled me in on with him, Chris, Kenny, and Bobby growing up, he had a way of makng me laugh like I never did (as long as I promised to never blackmail him or Bobby!). Having no family down in Florida other than my mom these last 27 years, being a part of the Howell family has brought me so much joy and wonderful memories, and Dustin will forever be a part of those cherished times. I will miss you terribly, Dustin, and know you are somewhere wonderful, watching over us, making sure we don't step out of line. I raise my glass (filled with a Rusty Nail, of course), and wish you well on your journey. I love you, Shari
February 1998
September 19, 2008
Forever in our hearts and our prayers, rest in pease with God
Bruce Howell
September 18, 2008
I REMEMBER DUSTIN
Now that we have all found our way home, I have within the peace and quiet of my own home, found myself having considerable thoughts of Dustin’s passing. In particular, I was astonished at the “turn-out” and how everyone simply stopped what they were doing, grabbed a bag, and off they went to New York.
As we all know, Dustin moved to Seattle years ago. How many years ago, I’m not sure. As such, I was never able to know Dustin as the adult vs the teenager. During his childhood years, Dustin was always with the pack, (the Howell Boys”) and as the “Baby” of the Klan; it was always visible how well he got along with his brothers and sister, as well as the local friends from the communities within which they lived. One day, Dustin grew up, and then followed his dreams and set out on his own to conquer the world and battle his demons. In the end, Dustin was my nephew, my buddy, and someone I would look forward to seeing from time to time, here in Florida, there in New York, and just about anywhere, except in Seattle. My memories now are few…too few unfortunately!
Meeting Dustin’s friends at the luncheon following the burial service, I sat outside the TGIF along side Dustin’s friends had gathered. Listening to them recall the “good old times” with Dustin and Kenny and Bobby was a hoot! Through them and their friendly banter, I was able to learn quite a bit about Dustin and the type of man he had become.
Poor dear Tiffany was heartbroken. I know all about that! She and I spoke quite a bit throughout our visit. She is sweet and dear. While learning more and more about her, her children, and the relationship she and Dustin shared helped me to understand and believe that Dustin had come to accept his responsibilities in spite of the many hurdles he faced growing up. I’m hoping that all of us are able to reach out to Tiffany and welcome her into our family. I think she needs our love, our support, and the unity of family which all of us are capable of offering. I made her promise to visit me in Florida with the girls. Universal Studios and Walt Disney World offers wonderful thrills and memories for the girls. Getting them away from home from time to time will likely do them all good, and frankly, they deserve the love we can deliver now in her time of need.
We love and miss you already! You will always be in our thoughts, our hearts, and our prayers. Rest in Peace.
Uncle Bruce
Christine Moore
September 16, 2008
3 weeks ago I got the news
I still can't believe it was of you
It seems that God had needed you too
So he gave you your wings and off you flew
My little brother...
Gone forever...
No goodbyes
You were gone in the blink of an eye
The years had passed us by
I never had the chance to say goodbye
So many things I never got to say
I always thought there'd be another day
Dustin the world became a duller place 3 weeks ago.
I miss you. You will never be forgotten.
Robert Howell
September 15, 2008
Dustin its been 19 days and i cant believe your gone, this was a mistake it didn't happen.Thats how i feel.
Rhoda Levin
September 15, 2008
Dustin was a bright light to all, extinguished too soon. May his dear, kind soul rest in peace.
Lookin' suave!
September 13, 2008
Seattle - 2000
September 13, 2008
WA - September 1997 - On his way to walk the Pacific Coast Trail
September 13, 2008
Dustin in Seattle
Robert Howell & Shari Gerson
September 13, 2008
Dustin was a beautiful brother, friend, and father, and he will be deeply missed every day of our lives.
Lilly and Arthur
September 13, 2008
We miss you, Dustin.
Love,
Lilly and Arthur
Kathy & Billy Miller
September 3, 2008
Bob- We were so sorry to hear of your families loss. Our deepest sympathies.
Kathy & Billy Miller
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