Remembering Torrin Jamal Howard

Age 26, Waterbury, Conn.
Passed away on April 7, 2020

Mr. Howard was born July 23, 1993 in Waterbury, CT to Mr. Anthony "Ronnie" Howard and the late Shirley Howard.

Torrin was educated in the Waterbury Public School System. He was a stellar student, and an honors graduate of Wilby High School's Class of 2012. There he thrived on the gridiron playing defensive tackle placing him amongst the state's elite football players. Wearing Wilby Jersey #73, he was selected to the All Brass and All City Defensive Teams of 2012. He was a true leader and headed the Wilby Weightlifting Team. When it came to Parent/Teacher nights his teachers would often say, "we don't need to see the two of you - we need to see some of the other parents." At one of his sports banquets, his football coach said "I don't know who is raising this young man; but, they are doing a great job. He is one of the most well-mannered, and respectful kids I have ever met."

With a heart and desire to help others, he continued his education with studies in Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University. Freshman year he met and became best friends with Mo, Lorenzo, John A. and John M. He was a compassionate person and volunteerism came easy to him. He volunteered in several capacities during his tenure there.

Torrin worked at Boys and Girls Village of Milford, CT as a Mental Health Counselor. He mentored many of his clients; and would help them with finding employment and resume writing as well. They took a liking to and really looked up to him.

His father, is a member of the Spiritual Souls of Waterbury, CT. As an infant, he and his mom would travel extensively with them. This is where his love for music came. First with the drums and then he became interested in and got his start playing the bass guitar. He, along with the group, received a Key to the City of Waterbury in January 2011; and was inducted into the Holla Back Hall of Fame in October 2011. He was also a drummer with the World Champion Drill Team and Drum Corps The 54th Regiment.

He played bass guitar for his home church, Refuge Church of Christ, under the leadership of the late Bishop Roland Johnson, Sr. He went on to play for various churches, with the most recent being Faith Center Church under the leadership of Bishop Joseph Norfleet.

Torrin played bass guitar for many well-known artists such as Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Maranda Curtis, Dorinda Clark Cole, BeBe Winans, and Kierra "KiKi" Sheard just to name a few. He sat in on many recording sessions, as well as a live recording with the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir of Hartford, CT.

He loved shedding and hanging with his musician friends; James Carney, Miciah Holman, Bryce Thompson, William "Mane" Davis, DaQuan McDougald and Daniel Gatling. He would eagerly await the next International Youth Congress and Holy Convocation of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC) each year. It was there he would play with the International Department of Music and Arts. COOLJC honored him during their Centennial Celebration last year, for yearly lending his gift during the conferences.

Torrin was a true friend and confidante; very compassionate, supportive, hardworking and giving. He met and fell in love with Tiesha Teasley ten years ago. From teenagers into adulthood, they went through everything together. They supported one another; and always had each other's back. Besides loving one another, they shared a love for God, music, food, and family gatherings.

Besides his father, he leaves to cherish his memory two brothers: Tyrique Howard and Michael Minnis of Waterbury, CT; his paternal grandmother: Mrs. Annie Howard; his girlfriend: Ms. Tiesha Teasley; his nieces and nephews; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents: Mr. Willie and Mrs. Mary McClary, and his paternal grandfather: Mr. Willie Howard.

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