Howard Finkel MD

Howard Zelig Finkel was born in Pittsburgh on May 17, 1942 and passed away on January 25, 2018 in Houston. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Judy, his adored children Michelle (David Presser) and Eric (Joanne Schwartz), cherished grandchildren Sia and Micah Presser and Lev Finkel, his sister Theda Perlman (Sandy), brother-in-law Mark Groudine (Cynthia Putnam), sister-in-law Bev Groudine, and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Rebecca and Morris and his brother Sidney. Howard and Judy met when he was sixteen and she was thirteen and had their first date a year later. When he was eighteen, Howard declared he was going to marry Judy. While attending Case Western Reserve University, Howard would come into Pittsburgh to take Judy out, even if it meant riding his motor scooter from Cleveland. The couple married on July 31, 1966 when Howard was attending Hahnemann Medical College. Howard adored Michelle and Eric and enjoyed going on trips, taking classes, and simply having fun with them. He said the best investment he ever made was his time investment in his children. When in grade school, Michelle was assigned to write about her father. Her first sentence read, "My daddy is so kind." Howard also talked about how fortunate he and Judy were that David and Joanne had become their children through marriage. He was thrilled to be a grandfather to Sia, Micah and Lev. Spending time with the family during annual "Finkelfests" and "Nana and Papa's Wonderful Adventures" brought him great joy. After completing an orthopedic surgery residency at Henry Ford Hospital, Howard moved with Judy, Michelle and Eric to Houston in 1974 and began his thirty-two year orthopedic surgery career. He was highly regarded by colleagues and patients. When he retired, his patients sent him letters that filled half a large shopping bag. The notes not only praised the difference his skills had made in their lives, but also described his character: "You are by far one of the kindest human beings I have ever met," "you are the most compassionate doctor I have ever known," and "it's rare in someone's life that he can say he's met a truly great person, but having known you, I can." One doctor called Howard "an amazing once-in-a-lifetime person." Upon retiring, Howard volunteered at the San Jose Clinic where he served the uninsured and underinsured. He was elected president of the 600-member Retired Physicians' Organization and was later honored as their Physician of the Year. He was an award-winning bronze sculptor whose work was shown in Houston, Chicago, and San Francisco. He restored classic cars, winning trophies at respected auto shows. Howard also gave orthopedic advice to relatives and friends from as far away as Japan. So many people approached him after Shabbat services for his medical opinions that the time became known as "Howard's Shabbat rounds." The world is a better place for this kind, loving man to have lived in it.

Howard Finkel MD

May 17, 1942 - January 25, 2018