Hartland, Vermont

Howard Alan Trachtenberg, 88, of Hartland, Vermont, passed away on September 23, 2023.

Howard was born on June 9, 1935, to Harold and Ann (Krug) Trachtenberg in New York City. After graduating from Stuy (Stuyvesant High School), Howard went on to study biology (Course 7) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (B.S. 1956). At MIT, he would often travel the 364.4 smoots across the Mass Ave Bridge to visit his beloved Carol (Goodman) at Boston University. The two were married on June 23, 1956, and this year celebrated their 68 years together.

From Boston, the two moved to New York City where Howard attended medical school at New York University (Doctor of Medicine 1960) - while Carol supported him and their growing family of three children, Helaine Szabo (David), Fay Trachtenberg (Howard Goldman), and David (Richard Wilson).

Howard served his residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, later becoming vice-chairman anesthesiology, Beth Israel Hospital, where he was also on faculty as Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. Later, Howard chaired the Department of Anesthesia at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA, and was assistant professor of anesthesiology at Tufts University School of Medicine.

He was a Fellow of the American College of Anesthesiology, a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists, Sigma XI, and a past president of the New England Society of Anesthesiologists.

Howard retired in 1998 and moved full time to Hartland, Vermont where he became an important part of the community as board member, secretary, and treasurer of Hartland Community of the Arts, board member of the Greater Upper Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Congregation Shir Shalom, treasurer of the Hartland Garden Club, and overseer of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

While raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Howard called Vermont home and was one of the founding families of the Quechee Club in 1970. During his time in Vermont, he indulged his passion for skiing and flyfishing. Howard showed his dedication to the area by being the longest serving ski patrolman at Quechee (44 years).

Howard was beloved by his family, fiercely loyal to his friends, a devoted healer, and dedicated to his community.

Howard was predeceased by his parents and sister, Carol (Cantor). He is is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, Matthew (Shoshana), Tyler (Mariel), Jacob (Samantha), Zachary (Danielle), Callan (Kevin), and great-grandchildren Amelia, Cameron, and Horace.

A private graveside service will be held.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care (dhgeiselgiving.org), Vanderbilt Multiple Sclerosis Center (vanderbilthealth.org), or the Greater Upper Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited c/o Dave Eastman, 130 Grout Road, Hartland, VT 05048.