Howard Steinberg

Howard Steinberg Howard Steinberg passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at home with his family at his side. He was 89 and died after complications of kidney and heart disease. Howard was born in New York City in 1929 to Fay (Resnick) and George Steinberg. He grew up surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. He was a proud and loving big brother to Sandra who passed away in early childhood. Howard learned about opera and photography from his Grandpa Samuel Steinberg beginning at the age of 5. They worked in the darkroom together while listening to the Texaco Saturday opera on the radio. He enjoyed his boy scouting years with friends. Howard became a Bar Mitzvah in 1942. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School where he was an athlete and served as a Camp Counselor every summer. While studying Mechanical Engineering at CCNY, he served in the Army Reserves. Upon graduation, he served during the Korean Conflict and was based at the Benicia Arsenal in California. During his engineering career, Howard worked for a few companies including Maxon Electronics where he was involved in missile development and testing on Long Island. He decided to further his education and received his Master's and Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics at the Courant Institute of NYU in 1969. He had a guest Professorship at the University of Wisconsin Army Math Research Center through the academic year of 1969-70. In 1970, Howard was hired as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Cal Poly and taught there until his retirement in 1991. His tenure at Cal Poly included overseeing the Graduate Math Program. He loved teaching and still had contacts with some of his former students who went on to achieve advanced degrees in Math. While at Cal Poly, Howard was a member of the United Professors of California (UPC) and worked with his colleagues on fairness and equity. Upon retirement, he founded Howard Steinberg Photography, turning his lifelong passion for photography into his new profession. His work has been shown in numerous galleries, museums and institutions across the country, and he has received many awards for his work. Howard's photography has been reviewed by numerous art publications over the years. Helen Harrison of the New York Times says, "In Howard Steinberg's black-and -white photographs, dried leaves are lovingly studied for their beautiful shapes and textures. Silhouetted against plain backgrounds and lighted from behind, the leaves acquire a delicate translucence that emphasized their complex structures. Mr. Steinberg's effects may be sculptural or graphic, but they never lose touch with the subject." Howard enjoyed getting together with the local F-11 photography group for many years as they critiqued each other's work, attended each other's local exhibitions and supported each other in new approaches and subjects for their work. Howard's close photo buddies, Don, Jack and Jim were all so helpful over the last 5 months visiting and staying in touch with Howard. Of all his many accomplishments, his family was his treasure. "Biz" the love of his life for 45 years of marriage and children Jordan, Valerie and Libby. He attended their school activities, school concerts, served as Troop 2 Committee Chairman for the scouts, driver for dance carpools, and proofreader for numerous papers. He enjoyed attending all of their college graduations. He was very proud of their accomplishments, loving their marriage partners and had a special bond with each grandchild. Spending time with family ranked as the top activity for a weekend. Howard's rich life was filled with family; Grandpa and Grandma camp, travel, opera, movies, viewing sports events, nature and of course, Photography. He enjoyed traveling as a family for a variety of holidays. His camera recorded his full and well-lived life. His children and grandchildren have all developed their own passion for photography. Howard was a member of the Land Conservancy, SLO Museum of Art and the Sierra Club. Howard was an advocate for others, a lifelong learner, voracious reader, and someone who saw beauty everywhere he looked. He was egalitarian and valued fairness for all humanity, reflected in his support of Biz in her career. He respected and loved nature. Howard was truly generous, and contributed his creativity and talent for the benefit of others. Howard said in his last couple of months "how fortunate he had been in his life...wouldn't trade anything...mine was a wonderful life". Howard is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Biz" Steinberg; his son Jordan Steinberg (Kerry Niemann), and his daughters: Valerie Creane (Brendan Creane) and Libby Steinberg Parker (Brian Parker); his grandchildren: Aiden and Joseph Steinberg, Zoe and Ella Creane and Greyson Howard Parker; sister-in-law, Stephanie Hoff. Howard is also survived by numerous cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his young sister, Sandra and his parents. Special thanks to Dr. Goodman, Dr. Stephens, Dr. DiBiasi, Dr. Porterfield, Dignity Hospice Team, Comfortkeepers and Lisa Moylan of French Hospital. Rabbi Janice Mehring conducted Howard's burial service on November 6 with his immediate family present. Howard requested that Memorial donations be made to Community Action Partnership, located at 1030 Southwood Drive in SLO, 93401 and be designated to "Area of greatest Need". We will celebrate Howard's life with a gathering on December 9 at the Santa Margarita Ranch Barn beginning at 11:30 am for lunch and sharing of his beautiful photographs. Friends whom I have not reached as yet, please RSVP to esteinb@charter.net.