There’s an old Irish saying about judging a man by the company he keeps and, by that measure, Howard Elbert was truly remarkable—he was a man surrounded by friends and admirers.
Howard Elbert joined the Pittsburgh Celtics in 1984 at the ripe age of 36—typically when one contemplates hanging up their boots. “H” — as he was lovingly known — was a Forward who, per his self-deprecating nature, was “…a finesse player who could win with smarts and guile, and was dead accurate.” He played until 1988, when “H” served as Player/Coach. Howard coached through 1996.
At the end of his playing days, Howard took up the mantle of referee. He was as unpredictable as he was consistent – earning him the nickname – “The H Factor”. Week-after-week “The H Factor” took to the fields of the Midwest division bringing his own sense of balance to the proceedings. While his decisions with the whistle would sometime draw less-than-kind words and opinions offered in his direction, Howard was ALWAYS available and willing to referee…and did so for the Midwest throughout into the 2000’s. Since being a referee was such a ‘Thankless’ exercise back in 1980’s/90’s, we were very lucky to have “H” for all those years. Howard never wavered in his commitment and was respected by his Irish friends and contemporaries alike.
Howard wore many hats during his days as a GAA Lifer. For the Pittsburgh Celtics, “H” served as Chairperson, Vice Chair., Treasurer, and Secretary, during the 1980’s and ’90’s. He was a Celtics club delegate at the annual NACB (now USGAA) conventions for many of those years. He also accepted Board positions during the past 20 years whenever he was needed. During his 40+ years, Howard wore his love for the Celtics on his sleeve. He was also big supporter of the Banshees Ladies GFC, the camogie and hurling clubs, and youth football in Pittsburgh.
Howard served on the Midwest Board as Chairperson, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, during his time and was always a staunch supporter of the division and its clubs. During the NACB meetings, he championed hard for the Midwest clubs. “H” helped fight for the creation of Junior football sub-level divisions to benefit the Midwest clubs, the 1-city clubs, and help grow the sport of Gaelic Football across the US. Howard was the main Celtic voice in the Midwest during those mid-1990’s discussions. He consistently lobbied the major city clubs to buy into the concept, which helped lead to adding Junior B at the National level and, eventually, the current USGAA Junior A-thru-D competitions.
Howard’s greatest joy was celebrating the many Midwest and three (3) National titles his beloved Celtics would eventually capture, starting in 2002, winning their first Midwest Championship, defeating the Detroit Wolfe Tones. Howard and the late-great Tom Cloonan — Celtics Co-Club Founder — sat side-by-side that day at Founders Field; two very happy and proud men, as the Club captured its 1st Midwest title since the Celtics were founded in 1976. During those lean years of losing and coming close, Howard (and Tom) still proudly promoted the Celtics as a great club, because, no matter how bad it got, they never failed to field a team for a Midwest scheduled game. Now his Celtics were finally winning and, with every Midwest and National title that followed, Howard was there to witness it and beamed with pride every time the Celtics Captain would speak upon raising that year’s Cup.
Howard’s favorite moment came in 2012, when the Celtics won their first USGAA Junior A Championship — beating Boston & Chicago. This came on the heels of winning their first USGAA Junior B Championship in 2011. With the 2012 win, Pittsburgh had truly arrived on the USGAA scene. Howard spoke so proudly that night about the incredible journey he had been on throughout his then 28 years as a Celtic. From the winless early years, to the sheer joy he was feeling that day, and everything in between. He felt blessed to have seen it all…and with a front-row view. Some told him then he needed to write a book. We only wish he had.
Howard was immensely proud of his Irish heritage and his Cloyne Co. Cork connections, home of the legendary Christy Ring who won 8 All-Ireland Hurling medals. He was equally proud of his Pittsburgh Nor’side roots with stories a plenty of growing up there. Howard was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians/AOH Division #9 and Knights of Equity.
Howard worked for years with Bombardier and Westinghouse, as an income tax accountant, and in later years had his own practice with many loyal clients, including many in the PGAA, AOH and KOE communities. Sadly, those folks will be looking elsewhere for help this tax season.
Since word got out about Howard, club members (including our friends in Cleveland and Detroit) have shared their stories of “H” and his many one-liners. Often humorous, his remarks were always pointed and colorful, hitting the mark and showcasing his sharp wit and deep insight into people and life. Others have spoken about Howard’s generosity in looking after the young Irish that arrived in the city of Pittsburgh to play over the years, ensuring they didn’t go without food or his freshly baked bread.
Every year “H” would regale newer Club members about the political shenanigans and history of the GAA in both the city and further afield, especially during the annual bus trips to Cleveland. His presence in the front-seat of the bus, since our first trip in 1988, will be sorely missed, but these stories will live well into the future!
“H” talked for years about buying a chair with his name on the back and retiring from the game…but he could never quite get there. As one club member put it “he never took off his boots”.
For those who knew Howard, played with/for him, served on Celtics/Midwest Boards with him, traveled to NACB Conventions alongside him, or played in a game he refereed, or simply watched a GAA game with him these last 20+ years, perhaps we never properly gave Howard his just due and ‘Thanked’ him appropriately for his decades of service.
Howard might be the most under-appreciated person from the Midwest in the last 40 years. Today we honor him for the great man he was and his love of all things GAA.
Howard Elbert – “H”, a club stalwart, a true gentleman, and a keeper of the GAA flame in Pittsburgh and the Midwest for over 40 years…he will be sorely missed.
His is a light that can never go out, because our fond memories of and stories about “H” simply won’t allow it! Thank you for everything Howard! RIP Our Friend!