Howard Furman lived from November 30, 1938, until February 27, 2024. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Emanuel and Lilyan Furman, and spent his formative years in New Jersey. In 1975, a career move brought him to Birmingham, Alabama, and he remained in that area the rest of his life.
After moving to Birmingham, Howard met and married the love of his life, JW Wheeler Furman, and they spent over 40 happy years together. He was the proud father of Naomi Furman Kipp (Allen) of Birmingham, David Furman (Dana) of Spanish Fort, Alabama, and Deborah Furman Miller of Jacksonville, Florida. His legacy also lives on through his six cherished grandchildren.
Howard loved learning new things and passing on that passion to others. He earned a degree in Economics from Rutgers University and went on to teach in its School of Business for a number of years. He enrolled at the Birmingham School of Law at the age of 40 and earned a juris doctor, became a member of the Bar, then taught at BSL and Nova University nights and weekends.
He was highly respected as a Commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Shortly after retiring from his government career, he suffered a debilitating injury during a surgical procedure but bravely battled back and was able to return to his private practice of law and arbitration.
Food and travel were other things that brought Howard great joy. He and JW were fortunate to travel the world, eventually visiting every continent and making lifelong friends in many countries. He was especially interested in foreign cuisines and studied with various chefs he met as they traveled, becoming a very accomplished home chef and baker. Friends and family were always excited to be invited to one of his extravagant dinners.
Howard was buried at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Temple Beth El or the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Howard inspired many, charmed many, and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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