Howard Stanley Downing Jr., 90, of Towson, MD, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026. Howard was born in Boston, MA, to Charlotte (née Starkweather) and Howard Downing.

From a young age, Howard knew that he wanted to be an architect. He graduated from Penn State University in 1958 with a degree in architecture and was a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). Known as meticulous, determined, and a hard worker, Howard enjoyed a successful 45-year career as an architect in Baltimore, collaborating with several influential architecture firms before retiring from Richter, Cornbrooks, Gribble.

An avid lover of music, Howard collected albums and stereo equipment and was a charter member of the Baltimore Symphony Chorus, where he sang as a tenor for over 25 years. He loved dramatic classical music and was known to play opera early on Sunday mornings.

Howard's love of music directly influenced his architectural career. He was particularly attentive to acoustics, specializing in performance spaces. His notable projects included the renovation of the Peabody Institute's historic Miriam A. Friedberg Concert Hall, Morgan State University's Murphy Fine Arts Center, Frostburg State University's Performing Arts Center, and the Gordon Center for the Performing Arts.

Above all, Howard was perhaps best known as a dog whisperer. He adored dogs of all kinds, with a special fondness for basset hounds. His love of music, art, and animals lives on through his children and grandchildren.

Howard is survived by his wife of 36 years, Dottie Dowling; his children from his previous marriage to Nancy Carozza (née Ritter), Gregory Downing and Pamela Adkins (Jeff); his grandchildren, Sara (Adam Zeloof) and Brice; his stepdaughter, Lisa Costello (Tom); and his step-granddaughter, Lilly.

A private family burial will be held. To honor Howard's love for animals, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the ASPCA. https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial