Howard W. Wirth, cofounder of the Wirth-Daniels candy brokerage firm, passed away Dec. 1, 2019. He was 91.

Wirth was born Nov. 4, 1928, the only child of Ruth and Ben Wirth. He attended Central High and Temple University. After working in the candy industry on the East Coast for several years, he relocated to the Chicago area in the 1960s to co-found the Wirth-Daniels candy brokerage firm.

The firm changed to Wirth-Carlin-O’Brien in the 1980s and to Carlin Group in 2015. Being well known and well respected in the candy industry, Wirth was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in 1992.

Wirth retired to the Phoenix, Arizona area in 1994. He enjoyed art, collecting Southwestern Native American pottery and kachinas. Visiting the Heard Museum and art galleries in Scottsdale were among his favorite pastimes, according to an obituary published by the Camino Del Sol Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center.

Wirth is survived by his wife, Debra (nee Dahl); a daughter from his first marriage with Diane Karzen, Wendy Famularo (Richard); grandsons Jason (Selena) Famularo and Kyle (Tina) Famularo; and great-grandchildren Jacob Famularo, Vincent Famularo and Audrey Famularo.  Preceding Wirth in death was his son, Robert.

A celebration of life was held Jan. 18 at the family home in Sun City West for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wirth’s name to the ASPCA or Hospice of the Valley (in Arizona).