Howard Davidson

Howard Davidson, of Penn Hills, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 30, 2026. He was 79.

Howard was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania, on October 19, 1946, to Carl and Ethel Lolita (Mann) Davidson. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in architecture in 1969. He began his career as a planner for the City of Pittsburgh before joining the Municipality of Penn Hills in 1976, where he served as Director of Planning and Code Enforcement for nearly four decades.

Many remember Howard as "Mr. Community," a fitting title for a man whose imagination, energy, and dedication left an enduring mark on Penn Hills. Howard was a dreamer with a remarkable gift for bringing people together to make his ideas happen.

Throughout his many years of service, Howard was instrumental in the development of the Penn Hills Library, Penn Hills Community Garden, Penn Hills Arts Council, and Penn Hills Community Development Corporation. He organized the Art and Photography Contest, the Penn Hills Coffeehouse, Penn Hills Family Fun Nights, and the Unity In The Community Festival, creating opportunities for neighbors to gather, share their talents, and celebrate their community.

He was vital to the preservation of the Morrow Barn, the historic clubhouse of the Penn Hebron Garden Club, a place that holds special meaning for generations of community members. He was also a longtime member of the Penn Hills Rotary, where he spearheaded efforts to build wells in Uganda. Howard volunteered with the Innocence Project and gave generously of his time and talents to causes and people he believed in. He found particular joy in bringing people together through music and participated in the Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle and Tuesday Bluegrass Jam Sessions in Blawnox. He met many of his closest friends as the bass player of Steel City Bluegrass.

Howard loved photography, drawing, and, most recently, watercolor. He enjoyed walks that led to scenic vistas, camping, and sitting around a fire playing his guitar or u-bass in the company of his family and closest friends. He was a fierce competitor on the chess board and loved sharing the game with others, teaching hundreds of children to play in his lifetime. His generosity of spirit and belief in the power of community are impossible to overstate. His annual Christmas cookies and chocolates will be greatly missed.

Howard was the beloved husband of Mary Claire Davidson, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage. He was the loving father of Matthew Davidson (Johnna Scrabis) of Glenside, PA, and Sarah Dugan (Brett) of Oakland, MD. He was a devoted and caring Pop Pop to Matthew Connor Dugan, Aspen Rae Dugan, and Devon Claire Davidson. Howard was the brother of Carl Davidson, Bona Lawrence, and James Davidson. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, and the many friends who became his family.

Burial will be private to Howard's family at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation at the Penn Hebron Garden Club, 237 Jefferson Road, Penn Hills PA 15235, on Thursday, September 3, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Additional parking is available up the street at the Penn Hills Senior Center.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Howard's memory may be made to any of the following:

Penn Hills Library
1037 Stotler Road
Pittsburgh PA 15235
https://pennhillslibrary.org/donate/

Penn Hebron Garden Club
237 Jefferson Road
Pittsburgh PA 15235

Penn Hills Shade Tree Commission
131 Dalecrest Road
Verona PA 15147
https://www.pennhillsstc.org/donate

Arrangements by Kristin L. Hauman for Natural Funeral Company. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.naturalfuneralcompany.com.