Habib “Herbie” Aziz Howard

Habib “Herbie” Aziz Howard, 82, passed away on October 29, 2026, leaving a legacy of determination, laughter, and extraordinary devotion to his family.

Born Habib Aziz Aouad on January 29, 1944, in Zahle, Lebanon, to Adel and Aziz Aouad, he carried a deep pride in his Lebanese roots throughout his life. A proud Orthodox Christian, Habib held his faith and heritage close to his heart. He loved his homeland and the United States, where he built his future and embraced the American dream. Above all, he loved his family. They were his purpose, his motivation, and the reason behind everything he worked to achieve.

As a young boy, Habib immigrated alone to the United States aboard the ship Olympia, settling in Toledo, Ohio, where he was raised by his relative, Geneva. His journey required courage, independence, and perseverance—qualities that would define his life. He attended Woodward High School before beginning his career as a businessman and entrepreneur.

Habib built and operated numerous businesses, including bars and restaurants. Among them was Sir Micheals in Maumee, Ohio, named after his first son. He also owned and invested in commercial and residential real estate and founded American Petroleum, a chain of gas stations.

He especially loved working in and running his gas stations. He delighted in making every customer laugh, greeting them with a joke, a one-liner, or a perfectly timed remark. An everyday stop at the store became a chance to share a laugh with Herbie.

Raising his children in Ottawa Hills, Ohio, Habib worked tirelessly to give them the opportunities, security, and comforts he had never known growing up. He placed their needs ahead of his own and sacrificed so much to give them a better life. His children grew up alongside him in his businesses: he took them to work with him every day, teaching them firsthand and working beside them throughout their lives. Those shared days became a lifetime of lessons about business, hard work, perseverance, and caring for family.

For his son Micheal, Habib was a father, a teacher, and an enduring influence on the man he would become. He coached Micheal’s elementary school basketball team, creating memories that would remain as meaningful as anything they later accomplished together in business. His willingness to share his knowledge, his time, and everything he had was an expression of his love.

Habib loved classic cars and cooking Lebanese food, especially tabouleh, keeping a cherished part of his heritage alive in his kitchen. He also loved the work of Lebanese American poet Khalil Gibran, whose writing held a special place in his heart. His family will treasure the memories of his cooking, his humor, and the time they shared with him.

Habib was preceded in death by his wife, Tammy Howard; his parents, Adel and Aziz Aouad; his brother, Father Micheal Howard; his sisters, Samira and Mona; and other brothers and sisters. He is survived by his son, Micheal Habib Howard, and daughter-in-law, Carrie; his grandson, Micheal Barron Howard, whom he adored and who brought him tremendous joy; his son, Habib Habib Howard; his daughter, Adelle Marie Habib Howard; his son, Royce; his other sons; and his many other grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in both the United States and Lebanon.

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, November 14, 2026 from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM in St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, 3754 Woodley Rd, Toledo, Ohio 43606 with a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Forest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to help his grandchildren to build a strong financial foundation for the years ahead. https://contribute.trumpaccount.com/micheah-c4c6687c/?secret=8YaZnHrYM3NjLmGAmx6H1wr

Habib spent his life working to give his family a better future. He leaves them with the lessons he taught, the laughter they shared, and the lasting example of his love. His greatest legacy is the family for whom he gave so much.

May his memory be eternal.