Howard C. Hopenwasser

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Howard C. Hopenwasser of Yardley, Pennsylvania, who left us peacefully on October 28, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born to Jewish immigrants in the Bronx, New York, Howard lived a life dedicated to family, his dear friends, dentistry and service.

Howard graduated from Bronx High School of Science and attended The City College of New York. He met the love of his life in 1966 in English class and was married for 53 years. Howard drove a taxi in NYC, worked as a postman, as well as served drinks at Yankee Stadium. He attended The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and then Howard served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, a role that exemplified his commitment to helping others.

Howard built a successful dental practice, creating not only beautiful smiles but lifelong connections with his patients and colleagues. He had a passion for dentistry and throughout his career he was philanthropic and a leader in his community. 

Howard served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St. Mary Medical Center Foundation Inc., he was a member of the original Board of Trustees of the Millhill Child & Family Development Corporation in Trenton, NJ, and he was a longtime member of Shir Ami Temple in Newtown, PA. He also volunteered as a forensic consultant for the FBI.

Howard had a passion for The New York Times crossword puzzles, scrabble, racquetball (back-in-the day), and bike riding at the shore. He loved football and was an Eagles season ticket holder for 38 years. Go Birds! He treasured his dear friends and alumni groups. Howard’s life motto was simple: he never said no to fun, embodying a true spirit of adventure. His zest for life and generous nature were unmatched. Howard was a devoted family man, he especially treasured summers spent at "Camp Hopenwasser" — the family’s beach house by the Jersey Shore.

Howard is survived by his dear wife, Helena Hopenwasser; daughters, Monica Hopenwasser and Joanna Hopenwasser Belson; sons-in-law, Josh Belson and Daniel Frankenthal; his adored grandchildren, Jagger Belson, Jett Belson, and Zeke Frankenthal; and his sister-in-law Susan Garelick. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dora and Abish Hopenwasser, whom were impacted by The Holocaust and had a second chance at life together in the Bronx. 

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love. 

A funeral was held at Mt. Sinai Cemetery in Hollywood, CA, November 1, 2024, for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to:

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, 

SWWashington, DC 20024-2126

https://www.ushmm.org/

Dr. Yu Chen, MD, PhD – Memorial Sloan Kettering Genitourinary Oncologist 

and Research

The donations made through this online page in Howard’s honor will be directed towards Dr. Chen’s research at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City. 

Here is the link:

https://secure2.convio.net/mskcc/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20112a?px=5462309&fr_id=4085&pg=personal&NONCE_TOKEN=A85AA96DEBA3B5129D1F15476D725BEE

OR Checks can be mailed to: 

Attn: Madison Wanamaker

MSKCC, Office of Development

PO Box 27106

New York, NY 10087

Please indicate on the check memo line that the gift is 

in memory of Dr. Howard C. Hopenwasser.