George Marshall Howard, M.D., 92 (almost 93) of Dobbs Ferry N.Y. and Salisbury, CT recently moved to Cape Cod, MA. He passed away on April 22, 2023 at Harbor Point in Centerville, MA surrounded by his loved ones.

George was born on June 12, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan. He is the first child of Mary Isabell Marshall Howard and Philip Jay Howard, M.D. He was a brilliant and much-loved man by all who knew him and had too many accomplishments to list.

He was Valedictorian of his Highland Park High School Class, a member of its orchestra and leader of a jazz band he created and starred in as trumpet player for high school dances. He was an accomplished trumpet player who idolized Harry James and played in Jazz bands well into his later years.


George graduated from Dartmouth College in 1952 and attended Union Theology Seminary from 1952-1953. Then he followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and pursued Ophthalmology. Graduating from Albany Medical College in 1959 and then onto Harvard University Mass Eye Infirmary 1960-1964.

George began his lifelong Ophthalmology career in 1964 at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute - Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and retired 44 years later in March 2008. He was also the Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology for many years.

He was a knight of the American Society, Royal Order of St. John, appointed by Queen Elizabeth II. He was an active member/lector of the St John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury, CT.

He was a lifelong member of the New York Athletic Club, the New York Yacht Club, and the Ardsley Country Club in Ardsley Park, NY. As you can tell, he led a very rich life.

George loved traveling, especially on Cruise Ships with the QE II being a favorite. He had an infectious smile which endeared him to the many wonderful people who cared for him over the last few years.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Nancy Colean Howard, his adoring daughter, Camille Angela Howard Alberico, his son in law, Bruce Michael Alberico, his Grandchildren, Victoria Patricia Alberico, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Nancy Alberico, and his siblings, Julie (& Peter) Parker, Philip (Jay) Howard, Charlie (& Kathy) Howard, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He also had many very dear friends who he held close to his heart and cared about deeply, Peggy Suchanyc, Bill Furey, and Eric Johnson to name just a few.

I cannot properly express how much he will be missed, but I certainly want to thank the wonderful staff at Brookdale, Harbor Point & Hospice. They have all been incredible, kind, loving, caretakers that I am forever grateful to, and am sure extended his life expectancy, and guided me/us through the very difficult process of saying goodbye to a loved one, my sweet dad.

A memorial service and burial in Vermont will be held at a later date.

I am saddened to hear of George's passing, but rejoice that the full life he shared had such a positive effect to all of us. It has been a privilege to have the honor of being his friend for almost 40 years. His true devotion to his profession and the positive effect of his caring for the thousands he served, surely speak of his devotion to humanity. Camille, your love, care and devotion to your Dad enriched his life immeasurably. Respectfully, Bill

Love you, Dad. May you have fun in heaven and find all of your friends and family - and some new ones. I hope they have a trumpet up there along with a band that you can help organize if one doesn't already exist. Love and miss you!

A lovely tribute to a wonderful man that lived a very full life. With love and sympathy to Camille and the Alberico family. Linda Clinger

I am sad to learn that George is gone. I was trained at the Eye Institute from 1967-1971, and George taught me a great deal in those years. I went on to practice in Rutland VT for 35 years, and continue to live there. I had the privilege of caring for Isabell Howard for several years. She alway remembered the names and ages of my grandchildren, the eldest of whom is Isabel.

I will certainly miss my dear Uncle George! I remember him playing trumpet hymns before Thanksgiving dinner and his wild and seedy blackberry pie that he would bring for the occasion. Seedy but flavorful! Blackberry picking goes back to Grandmother Isabell, so how could you pass it up? I remember how close he and my dad were. There were many visits, signature “ape calls”, jokes and cigars. Over the years I have heard the refrain “How I worshipped my brother George.” It is rather remarkable to me that they went off to the Canadian lakes to canoe when George was 20 and my dad was a mere 15. They had the time of their lives in wet sleeping bags, eating canned chili, fishing and paddling for weeks. The bond grew very strong. Uncle George was a man of esteem and elegance. He had a great cross that he would wear on occasion. He always drove impressive cars, having grown up in Detroit, cars figured prominently I suppose. As the years went on and driving became a burden, a driver would escort he and Nancy to family events in one of his finest. He was quite a runner, getting up early and jogging 10 miles before breakfast while the rest of us would sleep! My wonderful uncle. I will miss him very much. Rest in great peace Uncle George. You served the world in wonderful ways. I appreciate all the joyful memories. Lovingly, Heather

George was our older brother whom we looked up to all through our youth and college years. He was the star of our Highland Park High School, with a charisma and popularity due in part to his love of jazz, but even more because his fellow classmates recognized he was a brilliant academic student. He was in many ways a Renaissance adolescent, inspiring an entire high school to reach for higher goals, yet possessing a slight wild streak, loving racy cars. As his sister, I realized much of my own popularity was due to my blood connection with the magical George.

I will certainly miss my dear Uncle George! I remember him playing trumpet hymns before Thanksgiving dinner and his wild and seedy blackberry pie that he would bring for the occasion. Seedy but flavorful! Blackberry picking goes back to Grandmother Isabell, so how could you pass it up? I remember how close he and my dad were. There were many visits, signature “ape calls”, jokes and cigars. Over the years I have heard the refrain “How I worshipped my brother George.” It is rather remarkable to me that they went off to the Canadian lakes to canoe when George was 20 and my dad was a mere 15. They had the time of their lives in wet sleeping bags, eating canned chili, fishing and paddling for weeks. The bond grew very strong. Uncle George was a man of esteem and elegance. He had a great cross that he would wear on occasion. He always drove impressive cars, having grown up in Detroit, cars figured prominently I suppose. As the years went on and driving became a burden, a driver would escort he and Nancy to family events in one of his finest. He was quite a runner, getting up early and jogging 10 miles before breakfast while the rest of us would sleep! My wonderful uncle. I will miss him very much. Rest in great peace Uncle George. You served the world in wonderful ways. I appreciate all the joyful memories. Lovingly, Heather