Tribute Wall
Thursday
6
July
Funeral Service
1:00 pm
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Home of Peace Memorial Park
4334 Whittier Blvd.
Los Angeles, California, United States
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Dale Berman posted a condolence
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Howard was my cousin on my mothers side and he was such a kind man. His birthday parties at El Coyote were legendary and he always gave me a call on my birthday to wish me a happy day. Howard was a teacher for many years at Culver City high school and all his students loved him because he just loved to teach. Rest in peace my cousin Howard, I will miss you. Love Dale
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Salma Mohsin lit a candle
Thursday, November 30, 2023
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A sweet, caring, kind and patient man. A refuge for all students from all walks of life. A true gold star. You will always be missed.
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Bev Eshed posted a condolence
Friday, July 21, 2023
Caring, kind, always had a kind word and a smile. A wonderful human being
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Jaye Beason posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Mr Zager was always very nice and always good with children. He always greeted me with a smile. May he rest well.
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Steven Kapp uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
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Mr. Zager was a kind person committed to educating students beyond the standard classroom experience, to changing lives. When I worked for the student newspaper he advised, he asked me to write a story on the custodians called “Our invisible heroes: the custodians”. They all agreed for me to interview them and told me about various backgrounds such as Mexico or honors classes at the same high school.
Steven Kapp
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Jose Lopez posted a condolence
Monday, July 10, 2023
Mr. Zager was a kind man, always ready to give others a smile and a warm hand shake, empathy was in my opinion, one of his strong qualities. Thank you Mr. Zager, please rest in the knowledge that so many care about you.
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Judy Higgins uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 9, 2023
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In spite of a “distance” of 3,000 miles apart from my East Coast to Howie’s West Coast, we always felt a special “closeness”. It wasn’t something we had to work at… it just was! We were always sure to express an “I love you” and “I miss you” with every phone call, card or text message throughout the years. I believe that the closeness that his father Hy, and my mother Sylvia had throughout their lives was somehow inherently passed down to us, Joan and Eddie. How wonderful for us!
Those of us that knew Howie were aware of his being filled with adventure and curiousity. He recently wrote me a letter reminiscing about his visits with us in New York. It amazed me how he remembered names of my friends from high school that he’d met. We’d discuss his interest in the building garbage chute, wanting to sit on the 5th floor fire escape, and when my dad had brought us up to the rooftop to see the 4th of July fireworks. All new experiences and fun for Howie.
Having been a dancer from childhood and through my college years, Howie would always inquire about my dance studies. I was happy to hear about how much he enjoyed his square dancing. When I close my eyes, I can envision Howie and I dancing ballet in the hallway outside of my Bronx apartment. I will always cherish this memory!
Howie was 4 years older than me. He was following his path to become a teacher before me. As an educator, as well, I was fortunate to have had Howie as a role model. I would love hearing about his experiences and students he loved so much. I was always so proud of him. I aspired to be as effective and loving as “Mr. Zager” in my classroom.
My cousin Howie chose to address me as “Judala” as my grandmother and mother would do so endearingly. When I am pondering my daily “gratitude list”, I will dwell on my dear Howie with the deepest gratitude for having him in my life and having been so loved by him.
Forever in my heart,
Cousin Judala
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Dana Patchick posted a condolence
Sunday, July 9, 2023
My wife and I knew Howard through the Square Dance club that Howard was once president of. We became friends and cherished being invited guests at those famous birthday parties that he threw at the ‘El Coyote’ restaurant. There, we met Howard’s delightful family and many of his special friends that became acquaintances of our own in time. His generous nature and ability to put others first will be missed.
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Sandy Smith uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 8, 2023
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Howie and I met as children. He was always a favorite cousin. Howie was 3 years older than me and I looked up to him and I knew that we had a special friendship. We saw each other over the years on his many trips back east. Gail and I and my daughter Kristen and son Brett got to visit with him on a trip to Los Angeles. My unfulfilled wish was to meet with Howie again.
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Carol Kamenis posted a condolence
Friday, July 7, 2023
Remembering HOWIE as a Young boy.... with his Family living in Westchester, Ca......... Very energetic!! Very curious!!! Remembering HOWIE as a Grown Man.........Wonderful! A heart of Gold ! Always wanting to Help!! Keeper of secrets! Loving!! YOU ARE MISSED DEAR HOWIE........... Deepest Condolences to His Wonderful Loving Family & Friends....... MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL.............................. ....Rest In Peace...........
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Joanie Posted Jul 8, 2023 at 7:25 AM
Dear Carol,
Our family goes back a long way to our years living in Westchester. Howie always loved you - a special place in his heart for you as such a dear friend - more like family. Thank you for this beautiful tribute to my brother. His life was so full - he said not to be sad as he loved everything he ever did. Thank you dear Carol. Love, Joanie
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Dee Montealvo posted a condolence
Friday, July 7, 2023
Mr. Zager was a favorite at Culver Park and CCMS. He would always stop by my door to say hello and I always tried to book him if I could get him on subfinder. Rest in Power. ❤️
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Jerry Chabola posted a condolence
Friday, July 7, 2023
Howard was a person who cared about people. He was always willing to help. He demonstrated what it means to be a great teacher. So many young people benefited by his teaching! He will be missed!
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Jim Warner posted a condolence
Friday, July 7, 2023
My first introduction to Howard was when I was working as a therapist in training for the Youth Health Center at CCHS and CCMS. With every confused and angry student I worked with I would ask “Are there any bright spots at school?“ Inevitably, the answer would be, “Mr. Zager’s class“. I had to find out why everyone looked forward to his class. What was it about this guy? The answer was always the same: he let students be who they were. He let them eat. He fed them. He talked with them and got to know them. He truly cared for each and every student.
I finally got to know Howard when I switched careers and started teaching for CCUSD. I let him know that his name came up a lot with students as their favorite teacher. In typical Howard fashion, he invited me into his experience. I felt like one of his tribe when he invited me to his annual El Coyote restaurant birthday party. Howard was such a blessing to know. He touched so many lives, and we are all better for it.
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Patricia Potsie Hernandez Einstein posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Rest in Peace Mr. Zager. You were always so kind and an inspiration. You made teaching look fun and I wanted to be like you. I enjoyed eating in your classroom and brainstorming fundraising ideas. I was always looking for you at Port Hueneme. I knew you had a place there by the beach. I am so honored that I was able to make it to your service and favorite restaurant. You will be missed and not forgotten.
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David D posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Howard Zager has always been a great person always remember every person's name he met. Zager was my teacher at Sunrise High School. He taught me how to play a few notes on piano. Finish one chapter and will teach more notes. He would always say that. Rest Easy Zager.
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Amy Levit lit a candle
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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I worked with Howard for many years at CCUSD! He was always such a positive and supportive person! He was truly a menche! I hope that happy memories bring comfort to the family!
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Lelah Pealer lit a candle
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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Howard, you will be missed my friend. Students loved you as their teacher and as a substitute. I loved that you were always early to school and willing to help when asked. During the Culver City Scholarship Committee Awards program, your name brought thunderous applause. Thank you for giving scholarships all these years. RIP
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Debbie Hamme lit a candle
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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Howard was one of God's gifts to us. He was a kind, generous and good-hearted soul and it was my honor to be a colleague of his for many years. Even after he retired and would substitute at my school, it was always a pleasure to see his smiling face walk through the door. The students adored him because they knew how much he cared about them--he was always there when they needed him. He will be truly missed by everyone whose life he touched. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Love,
Debbie
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Shonda O'Neal posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
In my son Noal's words, "Mr. Zager was a real one". It has been such a blessing and gift to know Howard. As a teacher and as a fellow advocate for all things love and positivity toward children. Shine on Howard, your light will be missed.
Your friend,
Shonda
Farragut
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Jalena Alvarez-Gonzalez posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Mr. Zager was a legend at CCHS! He was a kind spirited teacher/person who was truly there for us students, even for kiddos who weren't in his classroom. We will miss him dearly! Rest in peace Zager and enjoy the afterlife...
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Doreen Donahue lit a candle
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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Howard contributed positively to the lives of thousands of students in his years at CCHS. Knowing Howard as a colleague, I'm sure that was just one of many blessings he brought through his life. Howard was unfailingly kind, caring, generous and funny. He will be greatly missed within the Culver City community.
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Cathy Lee posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Mr. Zager was such a kind, funny and sweet man. I didn't have him as a teacher, but knew him through my mom who worked at the high school with him. After he retired, he was a substitute at the middle school where I was subbing as an Instructional Aide. He was always so funny and cool; all the kids loved him. During breaks, he would share his snacks with me and talk about anything and everything. I couldn't get a job as a permanent IA because I didn't have an AA or 48 college credits and Mr. Zager offered to help pay for my classes if I went back. I didn't end up going back until years later, but I never forgot his generous offer. I'm so sad that he's gone and that I didn't get to say goodbye, but I'm glad he's no longer in pain. Rest in peace, Mr. Zager. <3
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Dan posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Howard was a legend! He had the most years teaching of anyone I knew in the district. He was always willing to stop and share his wisdom with me. I will miss him!
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Raul lit a candle
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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When I worked at CCHS, I always received a smile from Howard. He was enjoyed walking to the office and finding me to talk about his travels. I can always depend on having a great conversation with Howard. RIP Zager
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Michele Garcia-Salas lit a candle
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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May you rest in Peace, Mr. Zager.
It was a pleasure knowing you.
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Lucio Rosales uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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I had the enormous honor of meeting with 3 members of this fabulous family, Goldie, Howard and Eddie Zager, I worked with them in the remodeling of their houses, all of them people with excellent human quality, I will have them in my memory forever. My most sincerelly condolence to Zager family, really sorry about your loss
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Mario Contreras posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
A Local Hero Who Never Should be Forgotten
Mario ContrerasJune 20, 2007OP-ED
In 1973, I was one of his students.
Mr. Zager then taught English at Culver City Junior High.
My Profile
I was a 13-year-old in his English class. I was a punk, trying to raise hell against the system and against all junior high teachers in the early 1970s.
Mr. Zager was a very different teacher. He was not a part of the conservative old guard teachers in those days. He was youthful with long brown curly hair.
He Even Looked Like Us
He looked more like an older student. He even dressed like the students, jeans, tee-shirt and sneakers.
Zager, as we called him back then, really tried to know us as kids, inside and outside.
There was always a special warmth in his classes, warmth that 12- and 13-year-olds never found elsewhere on campus or even at home.
Useless Volume
I remember one time when he picked up an English textbook that was part of the curriculum. “This book is useless,” he said. The whole class cheered. We closed the covers and threw all of our textbooks onto the shelves.
Howard Zager taught us things that mattered most in our teen lives.
Also, how to look for an assured path in a teen’s confused life.
How He Cares
Zager wanted us to know and to understand what kind of world surrounded our young lives. He taught us to go deep within ourselves, to unlock negative forces.
Something that no textbook can ever do for a young person — only someone like Howard Zager, who really cared for his students.
Going on Four Decades
Starting in 1970, Howard Zager showed Culver City students his ability to inspire them to go beyond what they thought they were capable of doing.
He made it possible for his students to attain goals they had not thought they could reach.
Howard Zager still is being creative with his students at Culver City High School. His philosophy always has been love of wisdom, for his past, present and future students.
Gaining Insight
Mr. Zager currently enriches his students in a passionate way by teaching a course called, “How to Add Heart and Soul to Your Writing.”
In these sessions, his students pour out their emotions on paper, but at the same time they discover something profound and inspirational about themselves.
Sanctity of the Classroom
During lunchtime, under Mr. Zager’s leadership, he opens his classroom to 50 students for A.A. meetings.
At last, we come to the end of this essay. There is this message from a former student to present and future students:
“Even if you happen to go astray down a road with wasted and confused years, your path of enlightenment always will be in front of you, waiting just for you. As Mr. Zager always has said, ‘Just think.’”
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Xavier Jauregui lit a candle
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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I'll always remember when I left Culver City High School to start teaching: I told Howard about my move and he gave me a pen with his phone number and e-mail address. The address made me laugh. I still have the pen somewhere in my room.
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Denise Jasper posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Howie and I grow up together as cousins. We always had so much fun and laughter together. Aunt Goldie, his mom would always yell ool Howie and we laugh harder. All the family knew it ment on our love. We would eat aunt Gerties my mom's potatoes pancakes after school and leave none for my dad or sister Bev. Sure have wonderful memories of my cousin. You will be so missed by so many. Love you 4ever Denise
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Joanie Posted Jul 8, 2023 at 7:35 AM
Thank you Denise. This is your cousin Joanie - Howie's sister. It's with tremendous sadness but joy that I read these tributes, of which there are so many. He was a huge part of my life - such a great loss to me. I remember him talking about your mother's potato latkes and how he enjoyed coming to your house after school and there was his Aunt Gertie frying up those beauties. He touched the lives of thousands - family, friends and students. An inspiration to us all! Thank you! xo
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Allen & Gail Young lit a candle
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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Our condolences to Howie’s family. We know how much he was loved.
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Joanie Posted Jul 8, 2023 at 7:38 AM
My dear friends Allen and Gail - for decades of friendship and love. Thank you for lighting this lovely candle for my dear Howie. He touched the lives of thousands of people - family, friends and students. My heart is broken and I will miss him every day of my life. Thank you for your loving words.
Love, Joan and family
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Roberta Pollet Bramson posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
A man with a smile that always made you feel a part of his life. Compassionate,
sincere,, loyal, interested in the youth he taught and a friend like no other. He will be missed and thought of with love and admiration.
May you rest in peace
Love
Birdie(Roberta Pollet Bramson)
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The family of Howard Zager uploaded a photo
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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