Todd Lane Howsare died peacefully at home on October 31, 2024, in Dunedin, FL at the age of 58.
Todd is survived by wife, Melissa A (Huntington) Howsare; daughter, Estee N Howsare; grandson, JT Martin; mother, Skip Howsare; siblings, Michael (Kristen) Howsare and Ross Howsare; niece Victoria and nephews, TJ and Tank. He was preceded in death by his father, James L Howsare.
Todd was born on March 19, 1966, in Altoona, PA, to James and Skip. On September 3, 2005, he married Melissa at Bayside Community Church in Safety Harbor. They shared 19 years of marriage.
Todd was a 1984 graduate of Dunedin High School who loved education and learning and was a proud Marine. In 1989, he earned his bachelor’s degree in bible and theology from Toccoa Falls College. Upon graduation, Todd enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving from 1989 to 1995 at MCAS Yuma and then in Operation Desert Storm. After his time in the service, Todd continued his post graduate studies and earned an MBA in 1999 from USF; a specialist degree in 2017 from FSU; and was in the process of completing his PhD when he began his battle with cancer. Todd worked a few years in the business world but found his calling and passion when he became a teacher and coach for cross-country and track with Pinellas County Schools for 20 years, retiring in 2021. He was inspired by his cross-country and track athletes when they saw the results of their hard work through practice and competition.
Todd found enjoyment in watching sports, gardening, grilling, talking with others and studying the Bible and its works to gain a deeper relationship with God. He most recently attended Church Experience in Dunedin, FL to worship and express his love of our Lord. Todd had an ability to start up a conversation with anyone, especially if they were wearing anything related to military or Pittsburgh Steelers gear.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for November 9, 2024, at Church Experience, 1400 San Christopher Dr., Dunedin, FL 34698 at 10:30 am. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Todd’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Church Experience, 1400 San Christopher Dr., Dunedin, FL 34698 in honor of Todd or “Dunedin High School Cross Country”. Checks can be mailed to at Dunedin High School, 1651 Pinehurst Rd, Dunedin, FL 34698 or donate online at https://pcsb.revtrak.net/High-Schools/dunedin-high/dhs-athletics/#/v/dhs-athletic-donation-fund.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Moffitt Cancer Center for their compassionate care and treatment. During his battle with cancer his mantra was “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”, Philippians 1:21.
Coach Howsare was an amazing teacher, coach and person. I had the privilege of teaching with him at Dunedin High School. We enjoyed talking during our planning periods or during lunch. He was hilariously funny and quite humble.
My prayers go out to his family. He will truly be missed!
A veteran- thank you for your service, Coach!
Harry and I are so sorry for your loss! Todd was a fine young man! We send our love and prayers to you and your family!
Mr. Howsare was my cross country and track coach for 2 years at Dunedin High School. When I was a Junior he was also my math teacher. I considered him to be my favorite teacher in high school because he was nice and helpful. He once told me that I was the heart and soul of the cross country team. He also knew that I had autism before my parents or I knew about it. I was lucky to know him and I know that I will miss him very much. If I could say just one thing to him it would be thanks for being so awesome.
Dear Melissa, Skip and family,
I am sad to hear of Todd’s struggle with cancer, that has taken him from you. We know he’s in heaven worshipping Jesus and having a great reunion with Jim. Todd and I go back to the Bayside Church days and the Singles Group that he taught. We learned a lot about the Word and made good friendships. Todd left his touch on many people. I am very sorry for your loss.
Patti DaPra-Ashcom
To the Howsare family….I am shocked and saddened to learn of Todd’s passing. I have fond memories of acting with him in our Easter play at Bayside and having the opportunity to get to know him better. My prayers and love go out to you all.
Dear Melissa & family, prayers to all in Todd’s passing. I was saddened to see this. Todd was a blessing to me at Bayside as he led many Bible classes & studies , even back in my apartment in Clearwater. God bless you all. Dawn Hughes (Widlicka)
I am truly sorry for your loss and will keep you and Aunt Skip and the rest of the family in my prayers
Dear Melissa and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Todd’s passing. We know he is in good hands, our Lords. I’ll be praying for peace and comfort through this time and loss here on earth.
Vicki Graber Gabbert
Todd was a student in our PhD program in Measurement and Research at USF. Todd’s eagerness to learn and his willingness to help others brought so much to our program and our other students. Todd’s kindness is rare and he will be remembered and missed. We at USF are sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all. GOD bless you and surround you with his love.
Todd was a genuinely good man who could make anyone feel comfortable in his presence, regardlessof whether he saw you daily or far less often. Todd impacted so many people, far more than I think even he realized. He will be deeply missed.
Melissa…so sorry to learn of Todd’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Melissa, After seeing you and catching up from our Keystone days, I really enjoyed hearing stories about Todd, I regret I never met him. But reading about his life, his sharing and studying the gospel, must be a huge comfort to you now. I pray Gods blessings and care upon you and your family.
I graduated with Todd from DHS in 1984 and I send blessings for peace and comfort to your family. Todd was a solid dude and sounds like he made a significant impact on his students that will live on for generations. Semper Fi Todd.
Brian Harwood
He was a superb colleague and friend. Our conversations were always interesting and filled with laughter and a wee bit of sarcasm when needed. He shielded his eyes when he came into my classroom with his classic “ My eyes ! My eyes! It is a shame there isn’t MORE room for stuff in here “ . He called me Q( shortened from Curly Q)..and liked my I WALK WITH GODfidence Sweatshirt. He loved his family and God and our DHS life in the nest. Heaven gained an angel of strength and knowledge and energy xoxo Prayers to the family .
Todd Howsare was a great coach, teacher, and friend who touched the lives of a number countless number of people including me. During my four years at Dunedin High School, I ran both track and cross country and got to know Todd very well. Todd will always be remembered for his willingness to help and guide others from being both a coach, teacher, and friend. Todd was a very cheerful and caring person who could help brighten anyone’s day. He also had a great sense of humor that made me laugh. I was very grateful to have Todd as a coach during my time at Dunedin High School. Todd will be not only greatly missed, but also greatly remembered.
Todd Howsare was a great coach, teacher, and friend who touched the lives of a countless number of individuals including me. During my four years at Dunedin High school I was fortunate enough to have Todd as both a cross country, as well as a track coach. Todd cared deeply about his students and athletes, and would always go out of the way to help and guide others. During my time at Dunedin High School I got to know Todd very well. Todd had a great personality that would bring joy to others, and brighten their day. Todd will not only be greatly missed but also greatly remembered.