Holland, Howard
Howard Jerome Holland
January 6, 1933 – May 23, 2025
Howard Jerome Holland, affectionately known as Howie, passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2025, at the age of 92. A lifelong communicator, innovator, and beloved family man, he leaves behind a legacy as rich and vibrant as the airwaves he once commanded.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, and a longtime resident of Barrington, Howie made his mark early as a charismatic television and radio personality. His warm voice and dynamic presence earned him a loyal audience, and his creativity led him to found and run a successful advertising agency, where he helped shape the public image of countless brands and businesses.
From 1956 to 1958, Howard served his country in the U.S. Armed Forces. During that time, he traveled throughout Europe as a performer with the USO, serving as both vocalist and emcee, bringing connection and comfort to the troops stationed far from home.
Howard was the devoted husband of Temma Holland, with whom he shared a life filled with travel, music, theatre, and time on the water. In his later years, Temma was also his steadfast caregiver, providing loving support through every stage. He was a loving father to Lisa Friedman and her husband Joseph Friedman, and to his son Keith Holland. He took pride in his grandchildren. Danielle Sands (and her husband Hayden Sands), Jonathan and Grant Friedman, and Itai, Kaiana, Nainoa, and Alina Holland, and was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Jackilyn. Though distance shaped some of these relationships, his pride and affection never wavered.
Howard was featured in We Were Pioneers: Memories of CH 12 Television and WPRO Radio, a book honoring early innovators in Rhode Island broadcasting, a fitting tribute to his role in shaping the media landscape during a formative time.
Like his desk at the end of every day, Howard left nothing undone. His legacy lives on not only in the lives he touched but in the values he embodied, creativity, follow-through, devotion to family, and quiet excellence.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 28th, 11 am, at Temple Habonim, 165 New Meadow Road, followed by interment at Lincoln Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Temple Habonim or HopeHealth in his memory.
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Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
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Temma. my condolences to you on your loss. I remember Howie especially on the radio and also by my association with Sam and Zelda for so many years.
A Great Personality and Tremendous Uncle.
The end of an era .
One of a kind when I first started my broadcasting career at WPRO ,you were very generous with your time and your wisdom. I owe so much to you. God now has an Angelic Announcer. Rest in peace, my friend
Temma and family…so sorry to hear of Howie’s passing..we shared some nice times in east providence years ago…our prayers go out to you and your family…Sid and Judy dogon
Temma, Keith, Lisa and Joe and family
So very sorry for your loss-My whole family
loved Howie and we have many happy memories sharing occasions with him. Thinking of you with love
Michelle Rotmer Duffy
Always upbeat and encouraging. A real pro…He was a great guy.
what a fine gentleman ! while I had not seen Howie for quite a while, learning of his passing was still a shock.such a sweet personality, we had grown up together. I share your sense of loss.
Dear Temi,
Caryn told me today of Howie’s passing. I have such fond memories of you both being part of my life growing up.
I still smile every,time I look at the picture of Howie when he snuck into a family picture at our son’s Bar Mitzvah. We never knew until we saw the proofs!
Bill and I send you our condolences and love.
Joyce
My condolences on your loss. I worked at WJAR AM in 1973 and Howie helped my launch my radio sales career. I went on to sales director at Miami’s LITE-FM and Majic 102.7. Over 35 years, I learned to market radio advertising to boost traffic and increase sales. I’m now retired and living with my wife, Ellen, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
I’ll never forget my humble beginnings in Providence radio and for Howie who gave me my first radio sales job.
I also remember visiting your home with Howie when you had tie-dyed furniture.