Obituary of Howard F Reznik
Howard F. (Howie) Reznik of South Hadley died on Sunday, February 2, after a brief illness. Howie leaves his wife of 53 years Carol G. Reznik; daughter Deirdre Reznik of Brooklyn, NY, and her partner Dorothy Tamaro; daughter Rebecca Reznik-Zellen of Easthampton, MA, and her husband Kurt Zellen; and two beloved grandsons, Gabriel August and Liam Thomas Zellen. He is survived by siblings Carol, Hank and his wife Linda, and Marilyn and her husband Ray, in addition to many dear nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Shelton, Connecticut, Howie was the Human Resources Director for Black and Decker Corporation in Connecticut for 40 years.
Howie was deeply committed to his wife, his faith, and service to his community. He served his parish, St. Theresa of Lisieux, as a lector, a member of the Finance Committee, and head of the Buildings and Maintenance Committee. He was a regular volunteer for the South Hadley Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Pantry Annual “Bag the Community” Food Drive.
Howie loved trees and gardening, becoming a master gardener in 2012. He was a member of the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association and a dedicated volunteer in the gardens at Wisteriahurst Museum in Holyoke.
Howie loved to travel with his wife; together they visited many places, but were particularly fond of Paris. He enjoyed hiking and was a member of the High Pointers Club, having visited the high points in 25 states. He also hiked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain and the Inca Trail in Peru. He loved our country’s national parks, especially Acadia National Park in Maine.
Kind, caring, and generous with his thoughts and time, Howie was ethical and deliberate in everything that he did. He loved to read about all things but in particular about history and geology.
Family and friends may gather at Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home on Friday, February 7, 2020 for 8:30 a.m. to follow to a Funeral Mass at St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in South Hadley at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations in his memory can be sent to St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in South Hadley.
