HowardOwenCumberbatch ofLife
Order of Worship
Howard’s Song of Life
Howard Owen Cumberbatch was born on September 20, 1949 in Georgetown, Guyana to the late Herbert and Lucille (Aaron) Cumberbatch. During his formative years, he was educated in the Georgetown schools, ultimately graduating from high school at the age of 16. It was then that Howard began his telecommunications journey, securing employment with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company.
In search for a better life, Howard and his mother journeyed to the United States in 1970. Upon arrival in the States, Howard was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. He ended his active duty in 1972 and returned to Paterson, New Jersey to live, and at said time, he worked for Sears Roebuck and Co. until later becoming an employee of New Jersey Bell Telephone Company (now Verizon).
In February 1974, he met Patricia Stewart, and after 18 months of dating, they were married on September 20, 1975. To this union was born one son, Scott. Howard continued employment with NJ Bell until 1991. Subsequently, he was employed by AquaTec Water Treatment Company and Custom Cabinets, both of Garfield, New Jersey.
Amid all of his daily employment, Howard was also a disc jockey and percussionist, having played with a few bands and for a few churches in the Paterson area, including Prophetic Church of God, Solid Rock Baptist Church, and most recently, United Presbyterian Church.
In the early 2000s, Howard was officially declared a disabled veteran, but it did not stifle his love for people and music. On Saturday, December 28, 2024, Howard’s life journey came to its final cadence.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, his mother-in-law, and one brother-in-law.
Left to mourn his passing are: his wife, Patricia Cumberbatch; his son, Reverend Dr. Scott O. Cumberbatch; his stepmother, Dorothy Cumberbatch; his father-inlaw, Riland E. Stewart; three step-siblings, Dr. Gregory McIntosh, Elton McIntosh, Esq. (Andrea), and Susan McIntosh-James (Shayne); goddaughter, Vincetra DeVine-Jones; bonus godson, Vincent C. DeVine, III; and a host of other family, friends, and acquaintances.
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home.
Expression of Gratitude
We, the family of Howard O. Cumberbatch, would like to thank everyone for their acts of kindness during our time of bereavement. Whether you called, sent a card or letter, or just said a prayer, we thank you. While "thank you" seems insufficient, it's the least we can do to express our gratitude. We also offer special thanks to:
The Staff of Carnie P. Bragg Funeral Homes, Inc.
Pastor Warren F. McDowell and the Prophetic Church of God
Pastor Kenneth D.R. Clayton and the St. Luke Baptist Church
Shannon Everett and OCD Cleaning Company
The Celebration Choir
May God continue to bless and keep you is our prayer.
Funeral Services Entrusted to Carnie P. Bragg Funeral Homes, Inc.
256 Rosa Parks Blvd. 143 Myrtle Avenue
Paterson, NJ 07501