Howard Kligerman

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Howard (Grandpop) Kligerman, father, grandfather, partner, and relentless fishing buddy, died at age 78, surrounded by his loving family at Francis House in Syracuse, NY, on August 2, 2025.

Growing up on Absecon Island in Southern New Jersey, Howard developed his passion for fish, birds, and nature. The youngest brother of three (Martin and Jack), Howard spent many days exploring the surf and bays of Absecon and the surrounding areas of his hometown of Ventnor.

Howard studied English at Lock Haven State and then earned his Master's degree and Certificate of Advanced Standing in English at Syracuse University. Immersed in the Syracuse University community, Howard played in the famous Graduate Student softball league, where he made many lifelong friends for himself and his children.

Howard earned a second Master's in Counseling. He joined the Syracuse City School District as a guidance and secondary education counselor at Shea Middle School and then Fowler High School. He was passionate about education, not only his own, his children’s, and grandchildren’s, but also the youth of the West Side of Syracuse. Howard helped countless people find their way through high school and plan for their future. Our family continues to meet grateful people whom he helped guide toward a fulfilling academic or vocational path.

While studying counseling at SU, Howard met Nance Geiger, the love of his life. His heart expanded to include Nance’s children, Heather and Stephen, as well as the extended Geiger family, whom he loved dearly.

Howard was a mensch in the truest way, a loving man who often wore his emotions on his sleeve with no apologies. He was known for his sweet disposition and kindness. His love for the outdoors, family, good food (and of course diners), friends, and Central New York was endless. He took great pride in his five grandsons and enjoyed following their academic, musical, and athletic lives. He made every game and concert he could, gave endless rides to swim, soccer, and lacrosse practices, and wouldn't miss a pancake breakfast.

Howard was passionate about many things, fishing being the top of the list. Growing up as a bait fisherman, Howard turned his passion to fly fishing. He became enthralled with the complexity of the sport. Winters were spent tying flies. Springs and summers were for exploring the waters of New York and Pennsylvania. You would often find him at Nine Mile, Chittenango, The Delaware, The Ausable, Lake Placid, and secret spots shared with his buddies. Adventurous excursions to fish in the wilderness of Montana and Wyoming were some of the highlights of his life. His circle of friends from fishing was large, but the core group’s relationship runs deep and will continue.

Howard’s athleticism began early with baseball and football. As a young adult, he cross-country skied and ran competitively, including a triathlon. He shared his love of cross-country and downhill skiing by teaching his children and chaparroning students in the ski club. He was also passionate about hiking and golf. He loved playing golf at Drumlins, walking the course with his friends. Howard spent many years running (and later walking) with the Nottingham Runners, where he made lifelong friends. We will all continue to travel in his footsteps on the trails of Green Lakes and Highland Forest.

Howard began learning to play the clarinet at age 7. As a dedicated member of the Onondaga Civic Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years, classical music was a large part of his entire life. He was also an avid gardener and loved growing flowers and vegetables. You would often find him with his hands in the dirt and chatting with his neighbors.

Known to sip on a scotch, enjoy a fire, with a cat on his lap, a British Spy novel, and the Yankees game on in the background, Dad was a bit of a throwback, but never took himself too seriously. Guided by the Marx Brothers, the Three Stooges, and later The Simpsons, he was always up for a joke and a smile.

Howard was predeceased by his parents, Ethel and Samuel Kligerman, brother Martin Kligerman, and his life partner, Nance Geiger. Howard is survived by his children, Emily Benaron (Joey), Jordan Kligerman (Olga), and step-children, Heather and Stephen Nicholson (Elizabeth), his brother, Jack Kligerman (Barbara), and his former wife, Deborah Welsh. He will always be Grandpop to his grandsons Eli, Ezra, Silas, and August Kligerman and Max Nicholson. Howard is also survived by all of his circles of friends.

Our family is grateful for the care of Dr. Hana Jishi, Dr. Oana Manta, and the loving staff and volunteers at Francis House and Crouse Hospital. In place of flowers, please consider a donation to Francis House, Hospice of CNY and the Finger Lakes, The Amyloidosis Center of Boston University, The Onondaga Civic Symphony Orchestra, or a Nature/Wildlife organization near you.

Graveside services will be at 11 am, Friday, August 8th, at Frumah Packard Cemetery, 828 Jamesville Avenue, Syracuse, with a reception to follow www.sisskindfuneralservice.com