Dr. Bertram Elliot Howard, 96, of North Dartmouth, passed away Friday, April 5, 2019.

Born in New Bedford, Dr. Howard was a son of the late Jacob and Dora (Shill) Horvitz.

He is preceded in passing by his wife, Zelda (Krellenstein) Howard, and son Robert J. Howard.

Dr. Howard was a preeminent physician in the community and the founder of The Stroke Program at St. Lukes Hospital.

He also had a long affiliation with the American Heart Association and served as the President of the Massachusetts chapter.

A member of Congregation Tifereth Israel in New Bedford, Dr. Howard was also a lifetime fan of all the Boston sports teams.

Dr. Howard is survived by his loving children, Dr. Jack Howard and his wife Leslie of Dartmouth, Nora J. Howard-Gitlin and her husband Louis of Providence, RI, and Alan Howard and his wife Patti of Bedford, NY; and his devoted grandchildren, Alex, Jeremy, Lauren, Zachary, Ariel, Jessie, Nick and Tommy; and his great grandson, Lior.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 8 at Congregation Tifereth Israel, 145 Brownell Ave., New Bedford with interment in Plainville Cemetery, New Bedford.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Jack Howard on Monday, April 8 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and at the home of Nora and Louis Gitlin on Tuesday, April 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information and condolences please visit www.sugarmansinai.com.