Obituary of Howard Albert Stier

Howard A Stier, 79 of Apex, NC passed away October 30, 2018 at Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC while on an amazing journey at the forefront of living life fully and causing the improbable with incurable blood cancer. A gentle yet indomitable spirit, his generosity, inquisitiveness, humor and love of life was an inspiration every day. With quiet certainty, his life was always about where he could press the edges of what could be, be useful, and leave others with the best of themselves with a nudge to discover newly. 

Born in Olean, NY on July 13, 1939 to Thelma Schnettler and Albert Stier, Howard is predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law, Dominic Luzzi. Those who continue to cherish and love their relationship with him are his beloved wife and partner, Linda of Apex, NC, sister Janet Luzzi, nieces Denise Stomieroski (husband Joe) and Terri Lynn Luzzi, all of Olean, NY; great nephews Jason Stomieroski of New York, NY and Eric Stomieroski (wife Kelli) and great-great nephew Grayson of Rochester, NY; brother-in-law Rudy Richter (wife Terrye) of Maryville, TN and nephews Rudy Richter of Fairport, NY, Andrew Richter of Burbank, CA, and Philip Richter of Westminster, CO. Howard is also honored and loved by extended family, a wide network of communities, friends, colleagues, and anyone he met. 

A graduate of Olean High School and North Carolina State University, Howard was a Navy veteran and had a lengthy career with IBM. Upon retirement he continued to develop himself and brought leadership to many areas, such as financial planning, county-wide strategic planning, advancing effective governance, rehabilitating injured wildlife, contributing to health studies, tutoring young people, counseling seniors and being a program leader and coach for transformational learning. 

In addition to cultivating an extraordinary life with his wife, Linda, who was his most profound love, Howard enjoyed creating an environment for wildlife, walking, biking, reading and cheering on his favorite sports teams, especially the Carolina Hurricanes. He was a remarkable man who will be missed and whose life will continue to inspire all who are touched by him. He would not want anyone lingering with his passing, but to celebrate and live joyfully the life we each have before us. 

For those who wish to contribute in his honor, please donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) or to the V Foundation for Cancer Research (www.jimmyv.org). Alternatively, if you are able to do so, please give blood. Howard would not have had years of his life without the generous contribution of blood from people he would never know. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is honored to serve the Stier family.