Neal Howard

Neal Howard, 73, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away on June 9, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born on November 3,1951 in Ithaca, New York to the late Delbert Howard, Sr. and Marian Riker. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pat, his daughters Tracy and Alicia, sons in-law Dan Lorenzini and Mike Turner, and grandchildren Austin, Sierra, Dominic, and Vanessa.

After graduating from Ithaca High School in 1969, Neal was employed full time at Carey Advertising, while also driving an ambulance for Bangs. He then went on to work as the tire sales manager with his in-laws at Carrolls’ Sales and Service. After becoming a landlord at the age of 19, he started his own property management company, Certified Properties, where he spent the majority of his career managing over 600 apartments. Neal was generous with his time and energy, having volunteered for many causes over the years. The organization that most deeply touched him, and held a special place in his heart, was the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, after the birth of his daughter, Alicia. Due to his enthusiasm and dedication, he started the Ithaca Branch with the help of friends, family, and volunteers. Neal organized bike-a-thons, oldies nights, golf tournaments, Great Strides walks, and countless raffles, which raised over one million dollars to support CF research.

After moving to Florida full time, Neal concentrated his volunteer efforts as a trolley coordinator and driver at Health Park and Golisano Children’s Hospital. He also served on the board of directors for the hospital auxiliary. He helped organize a bicycle drive last Christmas that delivered bikes to underprivileged youth in our community. Just last year, he was a recipient of the “Passion for the Promise” award in the volunteer category, which entitled him to a cash prize that he promptly donated back. The medical care he recently received at Health Park Hospital was exceptional. There’s something poetic about him passing in the place where he poured his heart and soul into the last few years as a volunteer. His picture is even hanging on the wall in the lobby. Neal loved being involved in his community. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ithaca Elks 636 where he dedicated numerous hours and was known for 50/50 raffles. Neal also enjoyed being a school classroom volunteer for many years, in both Groton and Cape Coral. Neal was so much fun. He will be remembered for telling dad jokes while messing up the punch line, grilling for family dinners, leading the YMCA song and dance, setting off fireworks, watching westerns, enjoying sunsets, rooting for the Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees, and playing euchre and poker. He enjoyed bringing happiness to others by dressing as Santa for many events over the years. Neal had a fondness for the women on the Lady Everblades hockey team and was affectionately known as their “DB”.

Neal was known as Uncle Neal or Poppy to many, whether they were family or his chosen family. He was a daily presence in his daughters and grandkids lives, doing so much for them and their families. From running errands, getting oil changes, or stocking up “Neal’s Club” in his garage, he did things for others every single day. He took his grandkids to school and attended their many sporting events, theater, and dance productions. We often teased him for “stalking” our locations on his phone as he would always check in on us. 

Neal had a world of friends. He cared for everyone so deeply, you just knew you must be his favorite. His friend groups at the Elks, Sheldrake, and Myers Point, shared special memories and lots of laughs together.

In addition to his parents, Neal was preceded in death by his two brothers, Charles (surviving wife, Donna) and Delbert, Jr. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, California family, Lorenzini family, dear friend John Barber, and too many other friends to name. He loved you all.

Private services will be held for the family at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Neal Howard to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org/donate or 1614 N. 19th St., Tampa, FL 33605.