Howard Nathaniel Galbut

July 31, 1941 – July 12, 2023

“YOU ARE NOT UNIQUE,” his signature words of wisdom imparted to anyone asking advice.

But everyone who met him knew: “Pops Howie” was the essence of UNIQUE.

At 3:33 yesterday, July 12, 2023, a tremor was felt around the world when Howard Nathaniel Galbut left this world.

With nearly 82 spins around the sun, Howard knew it was time months ago to dictate final notes before joining that great poker game in Heaven.

He loved Wednesday night family night dinners, inviting everyone, including former spouses and in-laws, and always ordering take-out because he despised the cooking skills of his future third wife.

Fate would introduce his third bride-to-be, Helen Berggren, when they parked next to each other in a backyard illegal parking lot near the Orange Bowl, trapping them for hours after a University of Miami game.

Upon seeing the respect bestowed upon his first two wives, Helen fell in love with Howard. Together for nearly 30 years they sealed the deal this millennium.

Marrying Libby Toback (Jack Mitten) in the early Sixties, she brought into the world two beautiful children: daughter Amy Baldor (Alec Baldor (Alexis Morejon,) Amanda Rosenblatt (Alexander Rosenblatt;) and daughter Kim Walker (Macie Rose Walker, Oliver Walker (Aime’e Cuadra)

In the late Seventies, wedding Joyce Suggs (Galbut) she bore a fine family: daughter Lauren Geduld (Steven Geduld; Madison, Morgan) and son Jared Galbut (Stacey Galbut; Jonah, Harvey Grace, Rowan)

Family was Howard’s highest priority, always wanting to hear about his children’s lives—both the highs and lows. He is so proud of his children in their many successes.

Life began on South Beach. As a youngster Howard always had money in his pocket. Whether running the family’s cash register at Al’s Drugstore on Fifth Street, selling Golden Snapper (his code for grunts) or later selling crotons in oil cans he gathered from cutting Shenandoah Lawns. It was there he met his best friends, Jeff Kurland and Steve Tendrich. The trio would attend Miami Senior High and in a rash decision, turn in their books and RESIGN high school. Paul and Ethel Galbut, his parents, quickly changed his mind.

A graduate of the University of Miami, Howard practiced law for over fifty years. As Miami Beach Housing Authority Chairman for more than ten years, he left ten million in their coffers, but also an unrealized wish to build a Women’s Shelter on Alton Road and 16th Street.

He leaves behind his dear siblings, Martin Galbut (Cynthia; Keith, Lindsay); Lori Weiner (Marty; Stan): Alan Galbut (Debbie; Elizabeth) and wonderful cousins: Albi, David, Robert, Russell, Joan, Bruce and too many felines omitted here because the Miami Herald charges by the inch.

Howard lived life on his own terms.

Much to the dismay of his children, Pops had his own unique dress code. Loving Hawaiian shirts, but when his wife convinced him mis-matched plaids and madras shirts made him look younger and Italian – he quickly changed styles.

Howard would love you to dress uniquely comfortable to celebrate his life with family and friends Friday July 14 at Temple Emanu-El, 1701 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach at 10 am. Mt. Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery, 1125 NW 137th Street, Miami. Shiva to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, Howard wishes donations to Lotus House Shelter in Miami.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.riversidegordonaventura.com for the Galbut family.