Date of Death December 17th, 2021
Funeral will take place on Dec 21st at 1:00 pm
Graveside service at the Temple Anshe Sholom Cemetery, 427 Limeridge Road East, Hamilton
Here is the link for Howard’s funeral tomorrow:
http://www.mgxproductions.com/stream/HowardGomberg
Full Covid-19 protocols will be in effect as follows: In an effort to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Chapel will accommodate seating for 80 people, providing safe distancing.
At the cemetery, we will be limited to a maximum of 100 persons (including Clergy) for the safety of mourners, funeral home and cemetery staff.
Masks must be worn, covering the nose and mouth, and social distancing 2m (6′) is required unless you are of the same household.
ONLY THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN DOUBLE VACCINATED WILL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE CHAPEL. Proof of Ontario certificate and Identification WILL be requested.
For those that wish to participate in the mitzvah of Kevura, gloves must be worn. Names and phone numbers will be requested.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Born August 16, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Howard Jerome has been a poet, folk singer, troubadour for the Socialist Labor Party, professional wrestler (as Erich von Hess), and football player, until finding his true calling as an actor, enjoying a fifty plus year career in films, television, theatre, radio, commercials and voice overs.
Howard was the son of Leo and Sadie Gomberg. His father passed away early in his life and was raised by a loving and feisty widow/single mother.
He was the youngest of four. Lorraine Molnar, Bernie Gomberg and Sylvia Zuravin were his siblings.
Although Howard’s family are spread out wide and far he has many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews including: Wayne and Linda Molnar Kramer, Mark Molnar, Marc and Betsy Gomberg Feldman, Martin and Rita Gomberg, Holly Sweat, Micheal Gomberg(deceased), Donny and Debbie Zuravin Casey, Larry and Carol Zuravin, Mike (deceased) and Judy Zuravin Bickford, Sheryl Zuravin. Apologies if anyone was missed.
He met his lifelong partner Alice during a Rainbow Gathering in Santa Cruiz. She saw him hanging a flag that read “Respect protect Celebrate” on a tipi and knew right then and there. Not long after they were sitting around a fire where he sang, and Alice brought life to the song through sign language. She invited him for dinner and they were by each other’s side for the last 43 years.
In 1971, Howard began a long-term professional relationship with David Shepherd, the father of modern-day improvisation. Together, they created “The Improvisation Olympics,” one of the first competitive improv formats in North America. This led to the formation of the Canadian Improv Games (CIG), which Howard co-founded with Jamie “Willie” Wyllie in 1977. CIG is a nationwide high school competition involving over 5,000 students and 450 high schools Each year the players compete for the Howard Jerome Trophy. His voice was always present to kick off the Games with the oath, he himself penned. This work changed the lives of thousands of young adults, whose voices he knew deserved a platform.
For ten years, Howard produced, wrote, directed, and performed in productions for the Portable Theatre Company. Based in Toronto, the Portable Theatre toured elementary schools throughout Ontario, in shows focusing on themes such as health and community with Alice Brownlee, his beloved wife.
As “Dr. Possibilities,” Howard worked with organizations, companies, and schools to discover their communal creative energies through improvisation, song writing, and storytelling techniques. He also worked with many prominent educators including his favorite Teacher Jean Houston where they co-wrote a number of songs including “You are More”. He also took the stage for Mirvish, where he played the role of Mario an Idiot Savant, and In Austin Repaths story Howard played the Old Man.
Howard’s film and television credits include The Song of Names, Barney’s Version, Lucky Number Seven, Naked Lunch, Puppets Who Kill, Almost Naked Animals, Goosebumps and Queer as Folk. In 2015, Howard received critical acclaim as Simcha Kravitz, the grandfather in the stage play, “Duddy Kravitz, the Musical.”
And let’s not forget in 2011, Howard ran for mayor of Toronto! Garnering enough votes to place 33rd out of 40 candidates.
Howard had an incredible life and career that reached so many around the world but more importantly he was a lifelong partner to Alice, a brother, and uncle, a friend and a teacher. His light, compassion and energy has affected so many through the years. He, as well as his work have changed the lives of so many. Though not everyone can be present, the first line of the Canadian Improv Games oath is “We Have Come Together” and we would ask that you all honor that today by filling the comments section below with memories, stories, names of family who knew him best.
What is written here is a sliver of the life that Howard lived. His life was as large as his booming voice. And he loved nothing more than to play. If you do not have a story to share please fill in the blanks.
Howard was ________________. Because of him I _______________ and I will never forget his _____________________.
Dr. Possibilities one of the great human beings I have had the pleasure of knowing. I cannot summarize all the things we did together. Creative, educstional., integrating Kabbalah teachings and improv all the time. We would meet almost monthly for the past 40 years. We worked on so many projects with so many people. Every one loved Howie. We usex to get high together and explore sacred knowledge. We created the Homeplanet Alliance together and developed curriculum for Homeplanet University. How many of my own thoughts were stimulated by our regular meetings. The Ten Transformers. The Vision Changer Project. How many great friends the barefoot Rabbi Moishe Blatt, Mina Korman, Sid Kessler, David Shepard, Jean Houston, Elder Vern Harper, prayer ceremonies so often, snd sweat lodges.. Every day another of our magical moments comes to mind. I remember his 80th birthday psrty when so many of his friends showed up to be entertained and to entertain. Howard brought a higher level meaning to the word mensch. As that is the aspiration of every good jewish person. Loved by every one who met him. Missing him andour times together. I am a better person from knowing him and i am so grateful for the time .we shared. I could write a book on our time together and maybe I will .
I met Howard on site during the filming of Barneys Vesion here in Montreal. There was a segment shot at our company. He was a happy man and very talkative on every subject. I have a picture with him and our gang and some actors including Paul Gamatti. Did not know he passed until today.
Me and howie were very good boy hood friends. We lived near each other
In Brooklyn. We were both without fathers. I have a lot to talk about my very dear boy hood friend. I have not been able to find him in so many years. My cousin was Abe. Vigoda.an actor who died. I am 82 and live in Calif. please contact me as I am very saddened.we were very close as friends. He played the guitar when I went over his house I loved his mother who was always so nice.
Alice I am so lucky to know you and have performed with you in the portable Theatre in Ottawa. We met 43 years ago and have so much history
I am planning to visit you in Hamilton. Thanks for your phone calls and we shall dance soon. Great conversation today. Love
Alice please call me. I lost your phone number
Howard was such a special man…respected by my late husband, syd kessler and myself and my sons…as well as by the spiritual community he befriended. He resonated with Kabbalah … have you read his”Kabbalah kabaret”? I am honoured to have a copy. I remember him leading a wonderful day of joy and laughter and deep learning in my backyard with a group of kids at a summer camp we housed. He knew how to translate his love of the universe to young and old. Both he and his wife worked to care for the environment. We will miss his many contributions.
My heart goes out to all those affected by Howard’s loss. Like many people, I am happy to have met him even if briefly. He was always sweet and full of life, and with such a colored and eventful past, he always had a quick story or wisdom to pass along to make you feel connected and not so alone in your struggles. I hope you’ve found your path as you changed worlds Howard, and continue to light the fires of the souls you meet along your journey. Till we cross paths again, Linda~
It has been said that when we first encounter meeting persons, there stands a reason behind it. Howard was one of those persons that had entered into mine and made a difference in my life.
I remember the time that I had attended my weekly caregivers group meeting about 2 years prior, and a new face emerged and presented himself to our group. That gentleman’s name was Howard Gomberg, although he stated to me that Howard Jerome was his name when he was performing, and I could understand why.
Howard was extremely well versed, talented, kind, considerate, understanding and caring. And despite what problems or situations that he was experiencing at that moment, Howard would ALWAYS extend himself out to others first, to try to help them out over their issues.
I, and others, were just totally amazed and astounded with Howard and his abilities. Often, when our group meeting was about to end for that session, Howard would recite a poem from memory, sing a song ( in the song’s key as well I might add ), or tell of his past experiences to us. He ALWAYS left our group meeting on a high note, and it made us feel content and gave us comfort that we had the abilities to work out our problems and situations.
Howard loved animals, and he helped them in any way that he possibly could, making sure that they were fed, protecting and guarding them against any harm that would come about. He even incorporated some of my skills to help him build a shelter for them.
I am not sure where I would be if Howard did not come into my life, but I do know this, Howard is now at peace, and he is looking down at us, beaming with pride that he has helped so many in this world.
Howard was a brilliant individual who gave so much to our online group. He could light up the ‘virtual room’ with his heartfelt words and smiling charisma. Even in times of hardship, he was always assuring others of their value. I’ll always remember when he told me, “Jessica, you’re like a granddaugther to me! I’m very proud of what you shared.” There was a level of sincerity and artistry in his words that are unmatched, and irreplaceable. Howard, thank you for sharing the time with us each week that you did. You gave much inspiration and warmth to others that so needed it. I wish all the best for your strong spirit, may it continue to share its light. – Jessica
Dear Jessica, thank you for sharing the light that Howard shone on out group, he is sadly missed.
Howard was a dedicated volunteer with Hamilton Jewish Family Services. He sat on our Older Adults Mental Health Advisory Group. I will miss his humour and care.
Howard was a beacon of light and energy. I met him when I was a teen through Canadian Improv Games. Because of him, I will not settle and always strive to make things better where I can.
Howard was one of the funniest, kindest , and real human being we have know. We send out love to him in the spirit world and to Alice there in Toronto and here on Earth. Hearts are appropriate as he had one of the biggest hearts there was in the world. His Spirit will live on! Much love Della and Dale
I hope everyone will join me in posting stories, comments, moments of joy, jokes and more in this space.
We can’t know all who Howard reached or knew so please add names of family and friends here and a little something about how you knew Howard or how he added to your life with his.
Thank you everyone!
Shalom to Howard’s friends and family.
Here is the link for Howard’s funeral tomorrow:
http://www.mgxproductions.com/stream/HowardGomberg
For anyone able to attend, here are the details:
Anshe Shalom Cemetery 427 Limeridge Road E. Hamilton, ON
Temple Anshe Sholom cemetery is located on Limeridge Road East. Access the cemetery from Upper Wellington. Go south on Upper Wellington and turn left on Limeridge Road. Go to the end of the street and the cemetery is on the left.
With warmth,
Shayla