Howard J. Kattler, known to just about everyone as “Heshy,” passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the age of 91.

Heshy was born on May 30, 1934, in Philadelphia and grew up there, graduating from Overbrook High School. He went on to Temple University, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. He built a long career in podiatry and took real pride in his work, not just in caring for his patients but in being a leader in his profession. Over the years, he stayed active with the Delaware Podiatry State Society and was well known and respected by his colleagues.

In 1955, he married Deane, and together they built a life centered on family. They were married for over 60 years, until her passing in 2017.

Family was always at the heart of who Heshy was. He stayed closely connected to the Jewish community and valued the friendships and relationships that came with it. He was the kind of person who kept in touch, showed up, and made time for people.

He knew how to enjoy himself. He loved getting together with friends to ‘kibbitz,’ play cards, eat, even to work out. Anyone who knew Heshy knew of his love of everything sports. He could follow multiple games on TV and keep track of all of the scores. Last Sunday he was tracking the bracket assignments for March Madness. Throughout his life he played sports, from his younger years, when he played basketball at Overbrook to being on the JCC’s traveling volleyball team. Later, he and Deane played doubles tennis with a regular group where, as they liked to joke, the tennis was optional but the meal afterward was not.

Heshy had a great sense of humor and an easy way about him that made people feel comfortable. Yes, his joke delivery was unparalleled but it was his original and well-timed one-liners that really made us laugh. He was a great listener and offered advice only when asked. When he shared his wisdom and love, you felt truly seen and cherished.

He was fortunate to find love a second time with his beloved Nancy and her family became his as well.

Heshy was predeceased by his wife, Deane Kattler, and his sister, Mildred “Mitzi” DuBois. He is survived by his partner, Nancy Young; his children, Debra Kattler (Bert Gold), Steven Kattler (Donna), and Patti Asor (Shlomo); his grandchildren, Matt Kattler (Courtney), Ben Asor (Natalia), Marlee Concklin (Mac), Dani Asor (Gal), Talya Levy (Idan), Sara Gold (Nathan), Yoni Asor, and Maya Kattler-Gold; his niece, Robin DuBois; his nephew, Petr Salidar (Jeanne); and his great-grandchildren, Hudson and Harper, Luana, Ilay and Lavi, Charley and Bryce, Assaf and Ariel, and Shon.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Jewish Community Cemetery, 401 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.

If you are unable to attend the service in person and would like the zoom information, please contact Schoenberg Memorial Chapel at 302-762-0334. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory to the Jewish Federation of Delaware (www.shalomdelaware.org) or to a charity of your choice.

Please visit The Jewish National Fund to plant a tree in Israel in memory of Howard Kattler.