Howard Jules Geffner
December 17, 1945 – June 22, 2024
Howard Jules Geffner of Highland passed away on Saturday, June 22. Howard was born to Esther and Albert Geffner on December 17, 1945, in Albany, New York. Howard attended the local schools in Albany and graduated from Phillip Schyler High School in 1964. Howard relocated to Fishkill, New York. On January 21, 1967, he married the love of his life, Dale Gravina who became his wife and business partner in many ventures. Howard was a true Jack of all trades and his many talents included managing the Green Acres Motel in Fishkill, owning a gas station, corrections officer for the NY state department of corrections, owning & operating Geffner’s Kosher Deli in New Windsor all of which happened before 1980. Later Howard established his own landscaping & snow plowing business and then expanded to construction in which he built many homes & businesses in the local community. In 1985 Howard became Director of Facilities for the Highland Central School District and in the late 1990’s he served in a similar capacity for the Monticello schools. After retiring he decided to go back and work at several car dealerships in the area. He was an avid car enthusiast owning an impressive list of cars through the years including his prized 1960 Corvette. He leaves the Monti Carlo project car for his grandchildren to continue to work on.
Throughout these years Howard was very involved in the Highland Youth Soccer league both as president and coach. In addition, he coached softball and baseball for the town leagues. In addition to his wife Dale, he is survived by his son Jacob Geffner (Ashley), daughters Elise DeGiacomo (Paul) and Zoe Deniz (Eddie). His much beloved grandchildren Bryant and Nicholas DeGiacomo, Mia, Gino, and Lexi Ventriglia, Azadian Deniz and Oliver Geffner and his many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Sylvia (Martin) Pomerantz and Claire Brant (Paul Roth) and brother Gilbert Geffner.
Howard will always be remembered by those whose life he touched for his kindness, keen insight, adventurous spirit and sense of humor. Whether captaining his boat on Lake George, or helping others in need, his will be a lasting legacy.
A memorial gathering for family and friends will take place on Wednesday, June 26th, from 2-6pm with a service at 5pm, with Rabbi Eytan Hammerman officiating, at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 38 Main St. Highland, NY 12528.
Suit jacket and tie not required, feel free to wear a cool tropical shirt just like Howie would wear.
