Howard Michael Ackerman died peacefully in hospice care on February 29, 2024, with his loving family gathered around him.

Howard was born on August 20, 1940 in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from Denver University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and subsequently studied at the graduate business school before being promoted at Edison Company and moving to their home office in St. Louis. Howard was dedicated to his work and for decades he led the purchasing department of a large chain of upscale hotels in major cities across the United States until his retirement in 2017.

The true highlight of Howard’s life was spending 62 wonderful years married to the love of his life, Barbara. They first met in 1957 at a wedding when a cousin took it upon herself to change the seating chart, putting Howard and Barbara next to each other. They were married on July 15, 1962, and soon had a daughter Gayle and son Aric.

Howard spent much of his life living in St. Louis, rooting for the Cardinals, and was deeply involved in the Jewish community as a devoted member of the Congregation Shaare Emeth. Howard played an important role as part of the committee tasked with designing the new synagogue in Creve Coeur, notably having the vision to advocate for Shaare Emeth to commission stained glass windows from a young Dale Chihuly. Following his retirement, Howard and Barbara relocated to Boca Raton, where Howard was deeply admired by his fellow community members at St. Andrew’s Estates.

Howard was preceded in death by his father Joseph, mother Julie, and sister Sharlene. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his children Gayle and Aric, and his four grandchildren Aric, Alex, Max, and Paige.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Estates on March 5, 2024 in Boca Raton. Memorial contributions preferred to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686#!/donation/checkout