William "Howard" Alston Jr.

William “Howard” Alston Jr, ladies man and culinary artist, died Thursday, August 3, 2023 at the young age of 65. (July 15, 1958) He was surrounded by family, when on that afternoon the clouds lifted and he was ushered into heaven.

Howard went to St. Bernard’s Catholic School in Pittsburgh, where he served as an altar boy. Howard Sr. (deceased) moved the family to Bainbridge Ohio in 1970. It was shortly after that Howard started his cooking career in his mother’s kitchen, baking pies and selling them. He went to Kenston High School, where his name is still known for all the trouble he stirred up and hearts he broke with that big smile of his.

Howard was a good athlete; he was agile and fast. He loved football, baseball, basketball, he raced motocross. He loved Harleys, camping and golf. He got his first hole in one in 2007 at Imperial Lakewoods Golf Course in Bardenton, Fl., on an outing with the men from the Familyhood. Howard was a die-hard OSU and Steelers fan as well as Cleveland Indians/Guardians.

He then followed his dream and went to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York. He was involved with the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as well as several other culinary programs. His favorites were those that benefited kids. He was greatly respected in the culinary world.

The women in his life were numerous. He particularly fancied spirited women. His mother, Shirley (deceased) older sister Linda (Terry Hood) and younger sister Mary Beth (Brian Messer). Howard also has an older brother John and younger brother Tom, who he teased endlessly, until Tom grew to be much bigger than himself. Howard was also blessed with numerous talented nieces and nephews. He met the love of his life, Julie (Didato) at Blossom Music Center, where he was the back-stage chef to the Stars. One day he posted a sign-up sheet for extra prep help. He & Julie were engaged four months later and married that April. (1989) Together they have 2 accomplished, handsome sons, Joey, and Rob (Ellen). Once children became the subject of conversation Howard moved to something they thought was more conducive to family life and he began working at Brentwood Healthcare Center as the Head Chef. It was at Brentwood that he achieved his CEC Certification. (Certified Executive Chef) as well as becoming a Certified Dietician.

He reinvented himself again when he decided to become a food purveyor. Having been on the other side of the grill/oven, he knew he could offer his customers something others couldn’t. It was during this time that he met a young entrepreneur, Mitch Kroll, who would again change the course of his life and his family’s life. Howard began to work for the fledgling company with Kroll at the helm and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the top salesmen, working with and serving the military across the entire country as well as internationally. Howard served his community of Aurora, as President of the Sports Boosters for several years. He was a member of the chain gang and he was named honoree member & Chef of the Aurora Veterans Memorial Committee. There wasn’t a spaghetti dinner he didn’t have his spatula in.

His canine companions were dear to him. Nuk, Georgia, Duke, Frisco, Skye, Arnie and Gidget, they are on long walks together. He leaves behind his ‘other woman’, Jazz, a red nose Pitbull to keep the wife company. Howard rallied for 14yrs, with grace and courage, never complaining and always with a sense of humor. The kitchen will never smell the same. (though the ceiling will be much cleaner:) Our hearts are fuller and stronger, having loved and learned from him. He will forever be entwined in our lives and our stories. There won't be a holiday meal where we’re not comparing our run-of-the-mill talents to his exceptional talents. We will see him again in God’s timing, in God’s kingdom. God called a good one.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stow High School Culinary Program (Joshua’s) or to the American Head & Neck Society (AHNS).

Rev. Bruce Hartley will conduct the Celebration of Life service at Hudson United Methodist Church (Julie’s employer) 2670 Hudson–Aurora Rd. Hudson OH on Sunday, August 20. The Family will receive visitors from 2pm-3pm with a 3pm service to follow. Family and friends are invited to Elle Restaurant & Lounge, 33730 Bainbridge Rd. Solon OH., for an Open House from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/cleveland-cremation for the Alston Jr. family.