Obituary of HOWARD MARC DAVIS

Howard Marc Davis, son of Sam Davis and Bernice Davis (nee Furst) and beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and gentle giant, died on September 16, 2023.  He was born in Newark, New Jersey on February 21, 1943.  He attended Livingston Elementary School, Kawameeh Junior High School and Union High School, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team.  He spent much of his free time at Brookside Swim Club, where he worked at the snack bar and eventually the restaurant. 

In 1960, Howard met his high school sweetheart, Eileen Linker, also of Union New Jersey.  He married Eileen in 1965 and the two were partners for the remainder of his life.

He enrolled at Rutgers University, was a Henry Rutgers Scholar, and graduated with honors in 1964.  He attended Rutgers Law School where he was an Editor of the Law Review.  Upon graduation, he served in the U.S Army and was an Adjutant General, spending his time at the Pentagon.  He was honorably discharged in 1970.  He and Eileen ultimately settled in West Orange, New Jersey where he spent the next forty-nine years in the private practice of law, as a trusted advisor, colleague and mentor.

A believer in the benefits of teamwork and sportsmanship, Howard was a coach and advocate for West Orange youth sports programs.  As the commissioner of the Mountain Top League, he expanded the baseball league to include basketball and soccer.  In addition to his youth sports involvement, he served on the Board of Community Psychiatric Institute in East Orange, New Jersey.  In his retirement, he was an active member of the homeowners’ association at Dell Webb Traditions in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Howard enjoyed the exhilaration and camaraderie of sports, playing Saturday morning basketball for over twenty years, skiing and watching his beloved Yankees and Scarlet Knights. Ever curious and always engaged, he was an avid reader, wine connoisseur, gardener, golfer, and expert cookie thief.  But most of all, Howard loved his family: making chocolate chip pancakes on Sunday mornings, traveling with his beloved wife, exploring new cities with his grandkids, and engaging in thoughtful conversations over a glass of wine.  He will be deeply missed.   

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Eileen, his daughter Karen Ehrlich (Howard), his son Richard (Taylor) and grandchildren, Brian, Faith, George, Caroline and Edward, as well as his brother Andrew (Suzanne). 

In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, the family would suggest a donation to Reading Is Fundamental.