Howard P. Bornstein

Cumberland, RI - Howard P. Bornstein, 83; of 89 Aborn Avenue; passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at Bayberry Commons Rehabilitation Center in Burrillville, RI; after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease and of a broken heart longing for his beloved wife Christine.

Born in Boston, MA; son of the late George and Sadie (Feldberg) Bornstein; he graduated from Newton High School and attended college in Miami, FL.  Howard was a devoted husband, father, “Bipa”, “Papa”, “Nervous Fella”, brother, uncle and loyal friend to many people.  He lived a full and beautiful life defined by devotion, humor, and an unshakable love for his family. Prior to living in Cumberland, he and Christine enjoyed life in their cabin in the woods of Fitzwilliam, NH, and prior to that; Ashburnham, MA and Boxborough, MA.

Howard was predeceased by his brother Harvey Bornstein and his cherished wife, Christine Bornstein, with whom he shared 54 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. After Christine’s passing on November 14, 2024, Howard did his best to be there for his children, though it was not easy, and he quietly missed her every day. His love for her never wavered, and now he is finally at peace, reunited with his beloved bride.

He is survived by his five children; son, Geoffrey Bornstein, of Contoocook, NH; daughters Jennifer De Maio and her husband Francesco, of Clinton, MA; Sara Bornstein, of Gardner, MA; Elizabeth LeBlanc and her husband Glenn, of Gardner, MA; and Leah Scott and her husband Greg, of Cumberland, RI; fourteen grandchildren, Raegan Scott, Brynn Scott, Grace LeBlanc, Gavin LeBlanc, Austin Bornstein, Christine Coleman, Ryan Bornstein, Sadie Bornstein-Theroux, Dillon Proctor, Joanie Proctor, Brendan Proctor, Brianna Desautels, Cheyanne Mooney, Daulton Bornstein; six great-grandchildren; Adalyn Proctor, Jaylin Proctor, Zoey Proctor, Cooper Proctor, Lucy Bornstein, Stevie Bornstein; and two more on the way; blessings he was thrilled to meet.

A man of tireless work ethic and endless energy, Howard always had “something to do.” He ran Cleveland Circle Auto School in Brookline, MA, teaching countless people how to drive, including the famous Jordan’s Furniture brothers, before becoming a gifted salesman. Whether selling life insurance for Franklin Life or Wisconsin National Life or frozen food for Horizon Foods; Howard approached everything he did with humor, warmth, and sincerity.

Howard treasured the times with his children growing up, especially the summers they spent together in Jackson, New Hampshire, at their favorite chalet. Those days were filled with swimming in the brook, walks to get ice cream, and dinners at the Parka, where Howard would delightfully mimic the restaurant servers, joyfully announcing, “Coming in!! Coming out!” These were memories of laughter, adventure, and the joy of family that stayed with him always.

A lifelong Boston sports fan, Howard was a devoted supporter of the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins and New England Patriots. He could always be found glued to the TV when a game was on, cheering every play, and the house would often echo with his enthusiastic calls of “BABY!” as he shared the excitement of a big win. He cherished countless hours watching games and reminiscing about his time at Fenway Park with his father.

Howard was proud of his Jewish heritage, introducing his children to the beauty of their traditions through Passover dinners complete with scavenger hunts and Hanukkah celebrations spent lighting the menorah together.

In his earlier years, Howard was an avid runner, often joined by his family; who cheered him on at the races he ran.  He was also a dedicated weather watcher who absolutely loved snowstorms, frequently measuring snowfall in his yard with his trusty yardstick to report to his friend Dick Albert on Channel 5.

With both a sweet tooth and a sentimental heart, Howard found joy in the little things; never missing a chance to enjoy a bag of plain M&M’s or a scoop of coffee ice cream in his famous brown bowl. He cherished Sunday breakfast dates with Christine at their favorite diners and getaways in the White Mountains, admiring the fall foliage together along the Kancamagus highway.  Christine was his greatest companion throughout his life and together they built a life filled with love, laughter and countless precious memories.

Howard’s love for his family, his humor and his unwavering dedication will continue to shine through in the lives of all who knew him.

Arrangements are to be decided, and a Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. In the spirit of Howard’s legacy, the family encourages everyone to take time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, including a sweet treat, a drive with someone you love, and a good game on TV.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Howard P. Bornstein, please visit our floral store.