SMITH-Howard passed away on January 28, 2016 at the age of 85.  Devoted husband of the late Reverend Elsie Smith, beloved father of Jean Smith (and Rodnie Nelson), Howard Smith, Jr. (and Pamela Hakim) and Lilla Smith (and Dale Goncher).  Proud grandfather of Christopher, Hannah and Natalie. A lifelong resident of Brooklyn, he graduated from Choate and Princeton University.  After service in the U.S. Army, he joined Virginia Dare Extract Co., a manufacturer of flavors which was founded by his grandfather. In 1961 he became President of Virginia Dare and retired as Chairman in 2009.

Smith had a deep interest in the delivery of health care services in Brooklyn.  He joined the Board of Lutheran Medical Center, now NYU Lutheran Medical Center, in 1963 and was elected chairman in 1966. Among many significant accomplishments, he spearheaded the move and expansion of Lutheran Medical Center to a converted factory building and facilitated the creation of the Sunset Park Family Health Center, which grew into one of the largest community health centers in the country.  Under the aegis of LMC, he managed the creation of Shore Hill, a rent subsidized apartment complex for senior citizens and later Harbor Hill, another facility for the elderly. He oversaw the development of Lutheran Augustana Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation adjacent to Lutheran Medical Center and established Health Plus PHSP, provider of community based health and medical services. In 2004 he retired as Chairman after more than 41 years of leadership.  In 1976 he joined the Board of the United Hospital Fund of New York, the nation's oldest federated charity, and served as chair for nearly two decades. He was a member and past chairman of the boards of the Brooklyn Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library Foundation and past vice chairman of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Smith was a director of the Dime Savings Bank of New York until its merger with Washington Mutual in 2002.  He is a past director and past president of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States and a past director of the International Food Industry Suppliers Association.  Additionally, he organized and served as the chairman of the United Lutheran Appeal for six years and was an active member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd for over 75 years.

A true visionary who embodied the ideals of civic involvement and volunteer service, he made a lasting impact on his community and will be missed by all he touched.