Howard Furhman

WORCESTER – Howard Furhman, age 67, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loving family and friends on January 6, 2023 at his home in Worcester, MA. He leaves his beloved wife Neli Da Silva, sister Lisa Cotton of Shrewsbury, brother Herbert Furhman and sister-in law, Liba Furhman of New Milford, CT; his children, from his first marriage to Barbara Furhman, Meredith, wife of Robert Smith, Seth Furhman and step-son Bruno Fraga and his wife Keyla; grandchildren Samuel Smith, and Mattheus and Julia Fraga; nephew Myke Furhman and his wife, Lori Lang, and niece Avi Furhman; cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his step-father Arthur Katzenson.

Born in Worcester on May 21, 1955, the middle child of Lillian “Libby” and Merton “Babe” Furhman, Howard spent his entire life in Worcester, always surrounded by family and friends. He would ride his bicycle called “chopper” up and down the street, play ball in Chandler Field, play pool in the basement, go to AZA dances to meet girls, and played a mean trumpet.

Howie was a graduate of Doherty High School, attended Boston University Business School and graduated from Worcester State University. Ever the trendsetter, he traveled to Peru long before it became today’s travel hot spot.

Howard was old school. He worked hard, and he worked long. He was dedicated to his clients and gave it his all. He began his long career as a sales representative at General Wholesale, the family wholesale/convenience store business, retiring from that industry 2018. He then worked for Quest Diagnostics retiring in 2021.

Howie took great pleasure in raising his children, caring for his home, entertaining, taking beach vacations – whether in Aruba, Maine, Cape Cod or the Riviera Maya.

Howard met Neli in 2004. She was the love of his life. He wrote that “she cared for me like no other.” Together they traveled the world: the Bahamas, Jamaica, twice to Brazil (meeting the extensive in-law clan and traveling the country from Rio, to Sao Paulo to the Amazon rainforest and celebrating the Rio Carnival at the Marques de Sapucai) and to Israel. They traveled the USA - to Florida many times, Las Vegas and Foxwoods, and, just this past summer, out west to Arizona and red rock country.

Howie, like all great salesmen, had the gift of the gab, and as a result had many friends. He had a special connection with his grandson Matty, his buddy. They went to car shows, to the movies, spent time just hanging out and talking on the phone. Both Howie and his granddaughter Julia shared the sweet things in life: chocolate, ice cream and binge watching Shark Tank. And little Sammy always brought a smile to Howie’s face.

He was always there for his younger sister Lisa, offering advice, looking out for her, and being there for her to lean on. He enjoyed time spent with his brother Herb, target shooting and sharing memories, valuing the time they spent together.

Howie loved his teams, the Red Sox and the Patriots. He celebrated his last birthday at Polar Park with Larry, his friend of 40 years. Be it day trips, long walks around Quinsigamond Lake, trips to the beach, he was always savoring life. A car show enthusiast, he took great pleasure in going for rides to nowhere in his 2013 black- and-grey convertible Mustang, and then coming home to cook marinated steak tips on the grill and catch up on the Sopranos.

Howie was proud to be a longtime Trustee of the Hickory Hills Condo Association. He was conscientious and thorough, over the years ensuring improvements were made and best management practices were instituted and followed.

Howard lived his life to the fullest and he gave his love to everyone. He was realistic about his fate. He faced his challenges head on. He was stoic and he was brave. He is missed. We take comfort in the fact that he is now at peace.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden with interment following at B’nai Brith Cemetery in Worcester. Memorial observance will be strictly private. Contributions in Howard’s memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com