Howard Eugene Faulkner

Howard E. Faulkner of Riverhead, NY, formerly of Northport, NY and East Hampton, NY, peacefully passed away on February 1, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and dedication which touched many people throughout his remarkable life.

Howard was born April 11, 1930, in Corning, NY, to the late Karl and Beatrice Faulkner and was predeceased by his five siblings. He cherished his childhood in Corning, before attending Indiana Teachers College (now Indiana State University), where he was an original member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity while earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1953. 

During college, Howard enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was able to complete his college degree and basic training before serving active and reserve duties after graduation. Howard achieved the rank of Captain and served proudly during the Korean Conflict. He was Honorably Discharged in 1955. Following his military service, he returned to New York and began his 37-year teaching career at Ocean Avenue Elementary School in the Northport-East Northport School District. There, he met fellow teacher Edwina Marcia Grubb, with whom he commuted to Columbia Teachers College while pursuing his Master of Art Degree in Education Administration graduating in 1957. Howard and Edwina married in 1956 and raised their four children, Howard Jr., Marcia, Melissa, and Barbara.

To support his family and ensure his children graduated college debt-free, Howard took a part-time evening job at Estée Lauder. He extended this generosity to his grandchildren, prioritizing education for future generations. In 1987, Howard and Edwina moved to their retirement home in East Hampton, NY. After Edwina’s passing in 1989, Howard continued his passion for learning where he earned a Theology Degree and served as Certified Lay Speaker and Local Pastor of the Sag Harbor United Methodist Church for eight years. 

Howard was a man of many passions. He was an avid NY Yankees and college basketball fan. He traveled the world in retirement and spent countless hours reading which included five different versions of the Bible from cover to cover. He enjoyed researching his Quaker ancestry. This led to a desire to ensure his family headstones were updated and maintained in his roots of Indiana. His most treasured passion was spending time with his beloved family and friends. 

Howard was predeceased by his beloved wife of 33 years, Edwina, and his son, Howard Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Marcia Zatulskis (Bill) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Melissa Baumbach (Andy) of Lansdale, PA, and Barbara Balfoort (David) of Riverhead, NY, as well as grandchildren Emily Anne Zatulskis, Rachel Balfoort, and Johnathan Balfoort. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Richard Grubb (Christine), many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family invites loved ones and friends to join them in a celebration of Howard’s life on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Tuthill Mangano Funeral Home, 406 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY. Visitation hours will be from 10 AM to 12 Noon with a pastoral service following. Immediately after the service, family and friends are invited to proceed to the Calverton National Cemetery, where Howard will be laid to rest beside his late wife, Edwina G. Faulkner. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Howard’s memory to Global Ministries/UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), PO Box 9068, NY, NY 10087-9068. 100% of all donations are distributed. Checks Payable to “Advance GFCA” with “#901670 Califire” in memo. 

Howard’s daughters sum it up best: “We had the greatest Dad ever! Rest in peace Dad, we love you!”