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In memory of
Howard "Howie" W Rothstein
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Howard's obituary
Howard leaves behind his beloved wife, Karen; his daughter, Alyce; his son, David; his bonus daughter, Sammi; and his bonus son, John. He was the cherished grandfather of Matthew, Vanessa, and McKenzie, and a bonus grandfather to RJ and Taylor. He is survived by his brother, Sanford Sherman, and sisters Karen Quest, Sheri Lynn Rothstein, and Sherri Cunial. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Sherman, and sister, Jamie Rothstein. The loss of his mother when he was just 12 years old shaped Howard's understanding of life's fragility and the importance of being present for others.
A highly successful independent sales representative, Howard built his career on serving his customers with impeccable service. Throughout his over five decades in sales, he proudly represented companies including Maze Nails, Quarrix, Pamex, Formost Tarp, Messmer's, Tamlyn, and OSI/Henkel. After a brief stint with Ollie’s Home Center in Management to start his career, Howard hit his stride as a salesman with Macklanburg-Duncan. Consistently growing sales and territories as a Senior Account Manager and National Sales Manager, he was recognized with numerous awards. He went on to manage territories for Gardner Asphalt and APOC Roofing before starting his own independent rep firm.
His success came from understanding that true sales excellence meant going above and beyond for his customers. He would often bring birthday balloons, cookies, and donuts to celebrate their special days, remembering personal details that mattered to them, and always putting their needs first. He truly went the extra mile for those he served. Howard lived by his principle: "Never burn your bridges; you don't know when you will need to walk across them again."
Howard's true gift was his genuine interest in people. He was, as his family lovingly called him, "a male yenta". He was also someone who remembered the details that made people feel seen, heard, and important. This wasn't just a matter of professional courtesy; it was who he was. Howard often went out of his way to assist people, including family, friends, and those whose circumstances had left them without a home. He was an earth angel, a human used by God to assist others. Most recently, when returning from a medical appointment, he encountered an elderly stranger stranded because his car broke down. Howard didn't just call for help; he sat with the man for five hours until the tow truck arrived, because he didn't want him to be alone.
Outside of work, Howard found joy in spending time with his family, golfing, boating, traveling, and tinkering with his dune buggy. As an elder in the Mankind Project, he dedicated himself to helping other men heal from childhood trauma and become stronger role models for their families and communities. This work was deeply personal to him and reflected his belief in the power of human connection and healing.
Howard's legacy isn't measured in sales figures or professional accolades, though he achieved many. It lives in every person who felt his genuine interest, every customer who smiled at an unexpected treat, every man he helped find his strength, and every stranger who didn't have to face a difficult moment alone.
A Celebration of Life for Howard will take place on what would have been his 73rd birthday, September 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Sun City Lincoln Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making contributions to The Mankind Project or the Live Your Dream scholarship program for single mothers, sponsored by Soroptimist International of Lincoln, CA. Both organizations held a special place in Howard's heart, and he was an active volunteer for both.
As Howard would remind us, the bridges we build through kindness and genuine care are the ones that truly matter. This belief will stand strong in the hearts of all who knew him.
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Created with love by
Karen Rothstein (Howard's wife).
