It is with great sadness that ABC announces the death of Rosita Howell on June 23. Known to many ABC’ers as “Z,” Rosita Howell served as executive assistant to ABC national presidents Kirk Pickerel and Dan Bennet.  She started her career at ABC in the 1970s and worked for the association for all but a few on the intervening years, when she worked for past National Chair Gary Hess at Hess Mechanical, and retired from ABC in 2011. 

"I first met Rosita in 1983 when I went to ABC national headquarters for my new employee orientation. We bonded immediately, and she became one of the best friends that I ever had. Her smile, her indefatigable spirit, and her caring disposition are things that I treasure and shall never forget. Years later, when she agreed to work alongside me in the CEO office, I was in seventh heaven,” said retired ABC President Kirk Pickerel. “She brought immeasurable joy into my life, and her passing leaves a void that can never be filled."

In 2011, the association paid tribute to Rosita’s hard work and loyalty to the merit shop by creating a book of memories. In announcing to the ABC family her retirement and calling for letters, many past ABC leaders responded.

“She has a permanent soft spot in my heart for all the love and friendship she shared with us over many years,” said John Doherty, retired long-time ABC Western Michigan chapter president. “She was like a house mother, asking about us, our families, health, and welcoming us with her smile to the national office, convention or event. My prayers and sympathy go out to her family and other friends!

In the book of memories and letters from ABC staff and members to whom she meant so much was this very special quote: 

 
The viewing is on Wednesday, June 28, 5-8 p.m. at the Raymond Funeral Service, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646

The funeral mass is Thursday, June 29 at 11 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4590 St. Joseph Way, Pomfret, MD 20675