Gordon "Jake" Howard

Gordon “Jake” Howard

Gordon “Jake” Howard, 88, formerly of Baldwin Boro(a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA) passed away on Thursday July 29, 2021, in Philadelphia.

He is predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Rosemary,who was the love of his life; his mother, Viola Rousseau; and his grandparents, Lucy and Clark Wilson.

He is survived by his daughter, Beth Rofsky, and her husband, Bruce; his son, Joe Howard, and his wife, Georgann Cindrich; his three granddaughters, Sarah Howard, Hannah Howard, and Samantha Rofsky, who were his greatest joy.

Jake was born in Mt. Washington and raised in Brookline by his mother Viola and grandparents, Lucyand Clark Wilson.

His second home was Moore field in Brookline where he played numerous sports and made lifelong friends.Then at South Hills High School, he “majored” in band, orchestra, and baseball, while making more great friends. He also played baseball for the local American Legion team that went to the national playoffs in 1951.He was a dedicated fan of the Penguins, Pirates, and Steelers.

His greatest achievement was convincing Rosemary Louda to marry him. He met her at West Penn Power where they both worked, and they married in 1953. He loved her dearly and greatly missed her after her death in 2020.

After coming home from Boot Camp, Jake and Rosemary moved to Colorado Springs, CO, where he was stationed for the Army. Jake was a drummer in theKilt and other Army Bands. He also played tympani for the Colorado Springs Symphony with the blessing of the Army.

While successful in his day job as a senior executive at various security guard companies, his passion was drumming for numerous jazz combos every weekend for 50 years. He had the pleasure of playing with many of the great musicians in the Pittsburgh area.

After retiring, he and Rosemary traveled extensively.Most importantly to them, they frequently visited their children and grandchildren in the Philadelphia area.

Jake and Rosemary lived in same house on Green Glen Drive in Baldwin Borough for 49 years before moving to Philadelphia area in 2019 to be close to theirchildren and grandchildren.

Jake lived for his family, especially Rosemary, music, and telling stories; and in recent years he was a devotee of tv westerns. His love of family and friends, joy of life, and lively spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 120 St. Elizabeth Drive, Chester Springs.  Family and friends will be received from 8:45-9:45 a.m.

Family and friends are invited to a luncheon immediately after Mass.

Interment will be in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pittsburgh, Pa.

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