Charles Beecher Howcott Jr (1942-2019)

 

 

 

Charles was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, the third of four children of Charles Beecher Howcott and his wife Mildred Lee Spruill.

An accomplished musician and choir master, he graduated from Indiana State University and later received his Master’s degree in music from New York University. As a teacher in Indiana and at Mount Vernon High School, Charles inspired numerous students, many of whom are grateful for his contribution to their education and nurturing their wellbeing.

Charles was very talented and played almost every instrument, but he especially loved the keyboard.

For many years Charles served as organist at Greater Centennial AME Zion church at Mount Vernon and after moving home to Pennsylvania as minister of music at St Paul’s Lutheran Church of Smithfield at East Stroudsburg.

In his later years, Charles had serious health problems. He moved to Freehold, New Jersey, where he continued to share with family and friends his musical talents and ready wit.