Howard Walter Armbrust

Howard Walter Armbrust, 89 passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017, in his home surrounded by his beloved wife, Diana Pilkington Armbrust, his daughter, Audra, his son-in-law, Pete and his precious granddaughters, Madeleine and Lola. He was a remarkable man of integrity, honor and he was a true gentleman. Besides his wife, Diana, he leaves, four children, Christine Rooks, Steven Armbrust, Carla Gomez, and Audra Leigh Mega. Additionally he leaves eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Adelaide. Howard was born in Providence in 1928 to German immigrant parents. As a young man he studied at and graduated from Moses Brown, a Quaker school. He graduated from Concordia College with a Liberal Arts degree. He furthered his education at Bryant University with a degree in Business. Additionally, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Bryant University. He was Chairman and CEO of Armbrust Chain Co, which was founded by his father, Gottlob. He retired in 1998. He was the president of The Better Business Bureau of Rhode Island. He was President of the Manufacturers Jewelry and Silversmiths of America. (MJSA). He was a Member of the 24 Carat Club of New York. Philanthropy was very important to Howard. He was the Executive Trustee of The Armbrust Family Charitable Foundation. He was a Member of the Board of Old Stone Bank. He was a Member of the Board of Plantations Bank. He was a Member of the Board of Women's and Infants Hospital. He was a Member of the Board of South County Hospital. He was a Member of the Board of Bryant University. He was a Member of the Board of Warwick Country Club. He was a Member of the Board of Governors of The Dunes Club. He was the President of the Board of Meeting Street School. He was a former member of Mettacomet Country Club, The University Club, Providence Art Club, Warwick Country Club and Point Judith Country Club. In 2000 he married Diana and became stepfather to her daughter. In 2004, he moved with his wife to Florida where he started a new venture as an artist. He specialized in oil on canvas paintings, and has shown his works in The Newport Art Museum, as well as art shows and galleries in Florida. Howard had passion for travel. He loved to see the world, experience different cultures, and revel in the shared experience of humanity. He was a talented athlete and excelled at skiing, tennis, swimming and golf. He was an accomplished and avid golfer, There was no greater N.E. Patriots fan than Howard. He is a current member of The Dunes Club, in Narragansett, RI, The Ritz Carlton Beach Club in Sarasota, FL and Lakewood Ranch Country Club, Lakewood Ranch, FL One of Howard's greatest gifts was his generosity of spirit, which was closely followed by his very quick wit, and his endearing charm. The world has lost a truly sophisticated, elegant, lovely, and special man. He will live on in our hearts. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 11:00 am.

Tributes

Howard Walter Armbrust

June 25, 1928 - November 23, 2017