Howard Budnick

On Sept. 15, 2015, Howard Budnick, 84, of Fountain Hills died peacefully holding hands with the love of his life, Toni.

He was surrounded by the warm affection of his family “in his own home, in his own living room.” Howard lived in order to return home to our Lord and is reunited with his beautiful son, Gus, and dear parents, August and Sylvia.

Howard was born March 24, 1931 into the Great Depression in Detroit, Mich. He was raised among a large and diverse extended family, eventually serving in the U.S. Army until 1949.

He met his wife, Antoinette (Toni), as a guest at her birthday party in 1953. During the party, he confidently informed Antoinette’s disbelieving mother that he would marry Antoinette. The two married a year later on July 17, 1954 at the Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Detroit to the chagrin of Antoinette’s mother.

They had 11 children and lived their lives in faithful accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church, blessing their children with the gifts of faith, hope, and love.

Howard worked at the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company from 1952 until 1974 when he retired. He was their number one salesperson and worked tirelessly to outfit entire neighborhoods in Detroit and surrounding cities with efficient heaters, thermostats, gas lamps, and other modern equipment.

In 1972, Howard moved his family to rural Imlay City, Mich. to avoid the dangers of a rapidly changing Detroit metro area.

Once there, he and Antoinette learned to operate a productive family farm while his family flourished and formed lifelong friendships.

No stranger to opportunity, Howard discovered and fell in love with Fountain Hills during a vacation. In 1983, he moved his family once again and integrated wholly into the community as one of its first residents.

A long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, Howard joined the Fountain Hills Council No. 9188 and served proudly as a Fourth Degree Knight.

Howard was a man who could strike a friendship with any person. He was an excellent cook who appreciated late night coffee, a practical cigar, and a drink with friends. He made close friends as an enthusiastic bingo and keno aficionado at Fort McDowell Casino. His greatest pleasure was the company of his loved ones.

Howard had an uncanny ability to impact people in a deep and positive way. As a remarkably funny and optimistic man with a contagious enthusiasm for life, Howard could bring laughter and joy or intelligent conversation from anyone -- store clerk, CEO, janitor, or professor.

Countless friends and family have called on Howard (night or day) for advice; he offered pragmatic and well-earned wisdom. He advised everyone, young or old, to pursue their passion through hard work and education.

Howard was intensely dedicated to the well-being of his children and their families. His love and work ethic is evidenced by their lives and character.

Howard leaves behind his devoted wife of 61 years, Toni (Antoinette Knop).

He is survived by his loving daughters: Lynn (Mike) Gray, Suzanne (Roger) Rambo, Karen (Steve) Shotwell, Dianne Manning, and Antoinette (David) Budnick-Windhurst; dedicated sons: Dr. Paul (Deb) Budnick, Thomas (Nichole) Budnick, John (Jen) Budnick, James Budnick, and Timothy (Valerie) Budnick.

His adoring grandchildren: Andrea (Dan) Morgan; Stewart, Matt, and Brandon (Debra) Gray; John Rambo; Benn, Luke, and Jack Budnick; Jacob and Jonathan (Katie) Shotwell; KT Padilla; Mary (Jeremy) Overway; Thomas Jr. (Kristy), Christopher (Kimberly), Emily and Kaylyn Budnick; Brooke and Paige Budnick; Billy and Alexis Manning; Hannah Budnick; Chelsea Beasley; and Alexander Budnick.

Affectionate great-grandchildren: Trinity Morgan; Julien and Logan Gray; Leon and Maris Shotwell; Zach Padilla; Thomas III and Katie Budnick; Dominic, Joseph, Alexander and Lincoln Overway; Siddalee Budnick; and Alice Brecto.

Faithful siblings: Don (Sharon) Budnick and Marilyn Madar; and a loyal canine friend, Chet.

Howard will be remembered and missed by hundreds upon hundreds of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; including patrons and employees at Fort McDowell Casino (Robert Padilla); members of the Knights of Columbus (Jerry Comeau); and residents of Lapeer County, Mich. and Fountain Hills, Ariz.

Howard was preceded in death by his son, August Budnick; parents August and Sylvia (Prebee) Budnick; and brother Harvey Budnick.

Howard’s life was celebrated at Messinger Mortuary on Sept. 17. Father Frank officiated at a funeral mass at the Church of Ascension on Sept. 18, followed by a graveside ceremony by Father Frank at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Mesa, Ariz., preceded by military honors under the auspices of the Army National Guard Honor Guard.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jyoti Patel and her staff; Knights of Columbus, Church of the Ascension and Father Frank; Americare Hospice; and Messinger Mortuary.

“Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die.” -- Howard Budnick