Arthur Howard

Arthur Howard, most recently of Tuckahoe, NY, passed away on December 26, 2018, at the age of 102. He was born in NYC on October 18, 1916 to Morris and Ellie Hershkowitz. Arthur is survived by his daughter, Cindee. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Evelyn, who passed away in 2010. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces and other loving relatives. Arthur was a proud graduate of Townsend Harris High School and of CCNY, where he majored in biology. His great interest in plants also led him to study forestry at the NY State College of Forestry at Syracuse University. His first professional job was with the New York City Department of Parks. While only a junior member of the department, he sent a proposal to Commissioner Robert Moses, which led to a special project in which he created signs and labeled nature trails through Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan. Arthur developed an interest in magic when he was 8, and learned many illusions from his father. While in high school and later in college, he performed magic in local talent shows in theaters throughout NYC and competed for cash prizes. He helped work his way through graduate school by performing magic at fraternity and sorority parties and at local nightclubs. Arthur served in the U.S. Army in WW II 1942 - 1945. After landing in Morocco and working as a stevedore, he was detached to Special Services to perform magic to entertain the troops in North Africa. He appeared in a show in North Africa with Bob Hope and Martha Raye and was selected to do magic during a special show for Allied High Command at the peace negotiations between General Mark Clark and the Vichy French government in North Africa. Army service continued in Italy, where he attained the rank of T/3, Tech Sgt. He was invited to join the Rockefeller Foundation on a research project to develop methods of controlling malaria over large areas and became a Malaria Control Specialist with the Malaria Control Division of the Sanitary Service of the Medical Corp. in southern Italy. Under the GI Bill after WWII, Arthur earned a Doctorate degree at the Southern California College of Optometry and set up an optometric office in Los Angeles. During a summer vacation back in New York, he met his wife-to-be, Evelyn, at Chester's Zunbarg in the Catskills. It was love at first sight, and they were married within a year. In Los Angeles, Arthur also pursued his passion of teaching, working at Roosevelt High School during the day, and seeing patients in the evening. When Arthur and Evelyn moved back to New York, he continued his career, first teaching science at Scarsdale Junior High School and later at the Highlands Junior High School in White Plains, and then teaching biology at White Plains High School. He retired in 1983 after a teaching career or more than 30 years. He performed magic every year during the holidays for all of the high school classes he taught. Arthur was an active volunteer throughout his working years and his retirement. He was a founding member and board member of the New Orchestra of Westchester, board member and Scholarship Chairman of the Jewish War Veterans for Post 191 in White Plains for 20 years and Program Director of the Old Guard of White Plains retired men's group, where he was voted "Man of the Year" in 2011, and was named "Member Emeritus," a rare honor. He was a member and was Publicity Chairman of the local chapter of the Society of American Magicians, where he was awarded a certificate for "Lifetime Achievement in Magic." and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, where he was inducted into the Secret Order of Merlin. He was also an active member of Congregation Kol Ami. in White Plains, a Program Chairman of the Men's Council, a member of the Education Committee and a Sunday school teacher for 8th graders for 10 years, and was voted "Man of the Year" in 1999. In addition, he was Vice President and Program Director of the Friday Retired Men's Club of Scarsdale. Earlier this month, Arthur was inducted into the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame with "Special Recognition" for his volunteer work and many achievements. When Arthur was born, they broke the mold. He will be sorely missed by his family, his many friends and colleagues, and by the hundreds of students whose lives he has touched. Contributions to the Arthur Howard Scholarship of the White Plains Teachers Association would be appreciated. Contact Cindee for details. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 28, at 12:30 p.m. at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, followed by interment at Sharon Gardens.