Cynthia Lee Howk's Legacy in Historic Preservation and Community Engagement Remembered
Cynthia Lee Howk, a prominent figure in historic preservation in Rochester, New York, passed away on July 18, 2026, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Rochester, Cynthia was deeply involved in the city's social, cultural, and architectural history. She served as the Architectural Research Coordinator for The Landmark Society of Western New York, where she had a distinguished 45-year career. Her work was instrumental in securing financial and planning resources for architectural preservation throughout western New York. Cynthia was also known for her mentorship, which continues through the Bero/Howk Internship, a collaboration with Bero Architecture PLLC. Her contributions were recognized by the Rochester and New York State chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the New York State Office of Historic Preservation.