Howard H. Stevenson, 85

Howard H. Stevenson, the Sarofim-Rock Professor of Business, Emeritus, at the Harvard Business School passed away on September 27, 2026 at the age of 85, surrounded by family at his Nonquitt, Massachusetts home.

Raised in Holladay Utah, Howard's ambitions first led him to math studies at Stanford University. Then on to Harvard Business School for his MBA and PhD degrees and a ground-breaking academic career as the "father of entrepreneurship" as well as several leadership roles. He also enjoyed a long career in finance, including a founding role at The Baupost Group, an innovative and successful hedge fund.

Howard loved learning and sharing that learning with others through his research, teaching, board memberships, and prolific authorship of books, articles and case studies. In addition to his pioneering work in entrepreneurship, he explored the nature of enduring success in people's lives and shared his experience as a nonprofit trustee and billion-dollar fundraiser.

Howard was a voracious reader and had many other interests (including model trains). He contributed significant time, talent and treasure to impact communities and causes that he cared about - notably education, the arts, health care and the environment. Howard's greatest source of pride and pleasure, however, was his family.

In addition to his beloved wife Fredericka (Fredi), he leaves three sons and their wives (Will & Rika, Charley & Kate, Andy & Hannah) and four stepdaughters (Michon & Tim Egan, Trevor Crow, Devin Adair, and Cavan & Stefan Linde), 14 grand-children and 3 great grandchildren. He also is survived by his sister Suzie Burker.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to The New Bedford Symphony Orchestera: nbsymphony.org 

For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com