He came to Princeton from Plainfield (N.J.) High School, where he was valedictorian. At Princeton he majored in biology, was a member of Terrace, debated in Whig-Clio, and ranked near the top of the class. A highlight was his summer of 1962 in Paris, under Princeton’s summer work-abroad program.

In 1968 Howard earned a medical degree from Cornell Medical College, alongside classmate friends Bob Bedford and Jerry Graff. Initially training for surgery, he switched to ophthalmology, finishing his residency at Tufts. He established a private practice in Boston, with academic appointments at Tufts and Harvard. In 1999 he relocated to New York City, acquiring academic affiliations with Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and Mount Sinai. He also included more laser and cosmetic surgery in his practice.

In addition to his wife, actress Sharlene Hartman, Howard had many loves: dancing, the theater, hearing people’s life stories, public speaking, seeking out antiques from thrift shops and country auctions, plus an ongoing quest to find the best blueberries, grapes, and flan.

The class extends its condolences to Sharlene; his children Lauren and Jeffrey from his first marriage; and his vast set of family and friends.