Remembering Howard Rubenstein

2.3.32 – 12.29.20

A Message from Broadway Association Chairman, Cristyne L. Nicholas

Making a difficult year that much harder, it is with sorrow that I share the passing of one of New York City’s celebrated boosters, communicators and champions, Howard Rubenstein, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday with his loving wife Amy by his side.  

Howard was a longtime member of the Broadway Association and past honoree of our Annual Lumcheon. As a longtime champion of our City, Howard was an eternal optimist. He was always promoting the Big Apple’s bright shine, even when its bruises were so clearly evident. He, along with Bob Tisch and Lew Rudin, created the Association for a Better New York (ABNY), to promote the City following our dark chapter of near bankruptcy and fiscal ruin of the 1970s. An unparalleled communicator and personal mentor to me and so many others, Howard’s love for  New York was endless as was his quest for NYC’s better future. He will be dearly missed. 

 To quote the words so eloquently shared by his son Steven: 

“While today is a sad one, my father was never one to wallow. He would often say, “I always choose to walk on the sunny side of the street.” And so while everyone who knew him will grieve, I know he would prefer we remember him by celebrating his life and by being joyful and optimistic in our lives and our work.”

On behalf of the Broadway Association, we convey our deepest condolences to Amy, Roni, Richard and Steven and their families.