Howard Venezia

The morning of Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, Howard Venezia reunited with his wife (soul mate) Barbara Jeanne Venezia, who he missed dearly! Also joining in on his welcoming were Howard's parents, Vincent and Henrietta Venezia, Max Zwerin, his eldest daughter, Carol Ann Moffett, and all his loved ones who preceded in his passing.

Born March 24, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York Howard spent his early childhood years in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn and his later childhood years in Miami, Florida.

It was a Sunday - America in War - that found Howard (age 10) with his friends and their BB guns loaded. This small Canarsie group of young boys chose to not eat dinner that evening but to remain outdoors: ready & focused scanning the skies for incoming enemies! Howard's 10-year-old heart, mind, and soul were eager to be accountable and responsible as he felt prepared to do his part defending the Freedom of all Americans. But it wasn’t until 1948 Howard finally met government war-requirements ... age ...

wide-eyed, enthusiastic Howard joined his country's military force - under The National Guard. Always moving forward, loving to learn, Howard discovered his experience in the National Guard created a craving " to see the world ". Thus, he joined the US Navy as an enlisted seaman/sailor.

Instantly, in the US Navy, Howard’s intelligence, and overall character, rose above his peers. Unanimously, his fellow Officers, selected and awarded Howard higher education (full scholarship) -- concluding in three (3) Engineering Master's Degrees (Mechanical Electrical and Systems) with honors – which began his career as an Officer for the US Navy. He chose submarines, which included at one point, commanding the entire West Coast Pacific Fleet. An amazingly successful, rewarding career that ended in 1988. Howard continued at sea (serving with the Merchant Marines), resulting in a near 45 years of service in the US military.

Howard was a natural leader with skills: vision, empowerment, decisive, inspirational, compassionate, resilient, ethical, authentic, effective and accountable. He took calculated risk and willingly chose act(s) of service - intended for the betterment of the overall common good. He served with courage, strength, and love - determined to understand and to be understood ... truly unwavering. Howard had a deep and steadfast dedication to helping, remaining resolute in his efforts even in the face of challenges.

Success, after success after success! Howard did successfully “see the world” - these included travels to all 50 states which he enjoyed with beloved Barbara. They chose to retire together in-LOVE, as empty nesters for the remaining 33 years of his life in Colorado's Rocky Mountains being a full-time resident of Winter Park in Grand County.

Howard's life brought numerous promotions and multiple awards/achievements, but it was during his retirement where Howard received one of his most memorable awards. The award came when he least expected it, recognizing his endless service, loyalty and dedication to his Grand County Community from the Winter Park Fraser River Valley Lions Club. At age 79, Howard Venezia received the award "LION of the Year".

Howard was active throughout his life … participating & volunteering in various sports & activities. He enjoyed boxing (once a Golden Glove Champion), running, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, golfing, biking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, hunting as well as playing cards, billiards, poker, and was a champion in ping pong too!

Howard made the most of his moments with some incredible talents - creating artwork (pencil & ink sketch, watercolors, woodwork, sculptor), authoring six (6) short story books, creating custom blades and dabbling in leatherwork ...

What a Wonderful Life lived and shared - During his career days (when homeland), Howard was never too tired to make the most of his family's events - his children still hear him CHEERING! Barbara remained his prize of a lifetime - always placing her on a pedestal!

94 years of choosing ... LOVE

He loved this world, and this world loved him right back ... tenfold!

Thank you for always making a difference, and continuing to MAKE A DIFFERENCE, not only through all your surviving loved ones (sister-in-law, sons, sons-in-law, daughter, daughters-in-law, nieces, grandsons, granddaughters, great-grandsons, great-granddaughters) but add-in ... any & all who were blessed to share in a moment of their life with our Howard! A lasting-legacy!

Howard’s: "I LOVE YOU"(s) - are etched in our hearts

His booming voice - remains heard

"We are here to tell you, Howard " ...

We (individually & collectively) LOVE YOU right back & beyond!

... and genuinely, THANK YOU!

Howard: Legend, Hero, overall Bad-Ass... please know "You did Good”!

May our God accept you and reward your service with eternal rest, your Barbara and all your loved ones ... until we meet again!

Godspeed Howard Venezia ~

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the https://fraservalleylions.org/ Fraser River Valley Lions Club – PO Box 248, Winter Park, CO 80482.