Howard McEldowney

Howard M. McEldowney Of Berkeley passed away suddenly Tuesday, May 17, 2011 after suffering a heart attack at age 74. Born February 18, 1937 in New York City, he was the son of Howard V. and Pauline Connor McEldowney, deceased. He was the devoted husband of 25 years to Jane Chartz McEldowney and the loving father of Josy McEldowney, Tory Harter and Adam McEldowney, and the step father of Matthew Semansky and Anna Deignan. He was a loving grandfather to Talia and Cyrus Harter; Andrew, Emma and Julia Semansky; and Leo and Beatrice Deignan. A graduate of Scarsdale High School, he spent his childhood years in New York and graduated from Harvard University, class of 1959. Howard received his Master's in Business Administration from Columbia University, class of 1963. Howard began his professional career at Time Inc. in New York City. He moved to California in 1965 but maintained close contact with his many friends and family on the East Coast for all his life. In San Francisco, Howard was a principal in the investment firm Harris Bretall and McEldowney for many years before joining Franklin Resources in San Mateo. He was head of Franklin Management Inc. until his semi-retirement in 2005. He continued to serve his private clients until his death. Howard will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him for his great heart and kind and generous spirit. He was an unpretentious man of simple tastes who was gifted with many unique qualities and a magnetic personality. He loved all sports and had a special place in his heart for the Giants, the Yankees and the Cal Bears. He enjoyed fly fishing, tennis, skiing and backgammon, and was a long standing member of the Berkeley Tennis Club. Howard was a voracious reader of history and had a life-long passion for the stock market. His many pleasures in life included sitting on the pier gazing out over Lake Tahoe, enjoying the balmy trade winds of Hawaii and giving time and attention to his faithful pets. Above all, Howard was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who valued family, friends and faith. We will carry him always in our hearts. He is survived by his loving wife Jane and his devoted children and step children, and their spouses: Mark Harter, Amy Semansky and John Deignan, as well as his seven cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his devoted sisters, Hope Kobak and Polly Lynch both of Connecticut; he was predeceased by his beloved twin brother, Bruce McEldowney who died at age 37. Howard will also be remembered by his caring brothers-in-law, Jim Kobak, Louis Chartz, John Chartz, Peter Chartz and sister-in-law, Sarah Chartz; as well as many dear nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his caring former spouse, Judith Page. Friends and family are invited to a Visitation from 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home, 4499 Piedmont Ave, Oakland on Sunday, May 22, 2011. A celebration of Howard's life and Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Parish, Newman Hall, 2700 Dwight Way, Berkeley, on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 2 p.m.