Howard was born in Rochester, NY and was a resident in Las Vegas for 8 years. His beloved wife, Dorothy Diem Protz, passed away Saturday, October 2,2004. Howard was also preceded in death by Gladys Protz and John Manion. He was the loving father of Gerald Protz and Bruce Sharlow; father- in - law to James Manion;devoted grandfather to Geoffrey and Jil Protz, Jennifer and Richard Chow and Michele and David Rhoda; and adoring great-grandfather to Meghan and Matthew Chow and Margaret and Elizabeth Rhoda. His loving spirit and memory will always live on. His kindness and gentle nature will be missed by all who knew him.