Howard J. Stiller

Howard J. Stiller died in the early morning hours of April 17, 2023, in his Albany home surrounded by his wife and family. Funeral service 11 AM on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Arlington Memorial Park, Sandy Springs, GA. Rabbi Daniel Dorsch officiating. Howard was born in Newton, Massachusetts, on September 30, 1949, to Harold and Florence Goldfinger Stiller. He grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he preferred “time out” in his room, because it meant he could read books, listen to records, and even choose one of the few channels available on his own television, while having food delivered by his sister. Howard played the piano by ear, trumpet, baritone, and the trombone in the South Mecklenberg High School band. His curiosity and compassion for others, including animals, was evident from a young age, as he mourned the death of homeless cats meeting a premature end on the busy street in front of the family home. Howard attended Emory University where he majored in psychology, before attending law school at night while working in Davison’s furniture department by day and a downtown Atlanta pawnshop. Upon graduation from law school Howard set up practice in Albany, Georgia, working independently, except for a stint as a corporate lawyer for Gray Communications. In addition, he served as a state court judge in Dougherty County. Howard’s passion was the law, defending clients. As a trial lawyer his focused stamina was evident even the last time he set foot in court, when he cross-examined a single witness for 12 hours. When not working, Howard’s passions were spending time with his wife, family, and friends. He loved the Rolling Stones, over the years seeing them in concert nine times. Another obsession was his beloved Tar Heels basketball team. A deeply religious man, Howard was an observant Jew, having the greatest respect for scholars of Judaism and possessing an intellectual knowledge of the faith as well. A driving force in Howard’s life, from which those who knew him and even chance encounters benefitted so, was Howard’s sense of humor. Howard is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Florence Stiller, and his older sister Barbara Stiller Baer. Howard is survived by his wife, Karen Stiller, of Albany, Georgia, daughters Lisa Stiller of Jacksonville, Florida, Rachel (John) Reyes of Portland, Oregon, Casie (Jared) Davidson of Metairie, Louisiana, son Matthew (Alexa) Miller of Atlanta, Georgia, and his sister Ellen Stiller Jarrett (John) of Marietta, Georgia. He was a magnificent grandpapa to his three grandchildren Berk and Scotty Davidson, and Flora Reyes, and a soon-to-be born granddaughter in May of 2023. Howard was loved by his numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends. In lieu of flowers, Howard and the family request that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org.

Howard J. Stiller

September 30, 1949 - April 17, 2023