The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association is saddened to share the passing of longtime member and former ELFA instructor H. “Howard” Krollfeifer, Jr., who passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 86. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of learning from or working alongside him.

Howard was a respected leader in the equipment finance industry and a valued contributor to the ELFA community for many years. He served on several ELFA committees in the late 1990s, including the Credit and Collections Planning Committee, the Bank Business Council Steering Committee, and the Membership Committee. From 2001 to 2008, Howard taught ELFA’s Principles of Equipment Leasing and Finance Workshops, where he generously shared his industry knowledge with hundreds of emerging professionals. Participants and staff alike remember him as a gifted instructor, a thoughtful mentor, and a genuinely kind person.

Howard’s career in leasing and finance spanned more than three decades, with leadership roles at Equitable Life Leasing Corporation (ELLCO), Fleet Credit Corporation, AT&T Commercial Finance Corporation, and Copelco Capital, where he retired as Senior Vice President in 1999. He later continued contributing to the industry as Executive Vice President of D&H Enterprises, Inc., offering consulting, training, and expert witness services. He was also a Certified Lease Professional (CLP, now CLFP), reflecting his deep commitment to professional excellence.

Outside of equipment finance, Howard lived an extraordinary life. A lifelong soccer enthusiast, he played at the semi-pro and professional levels before becoming a respected referee at the State, National, International, and even FIFA levels. His dedication to youth soccer through the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), and his advocacy of the “Everyone Plays” philosophy, left a lasting legacy. In 1997, he was inducted into both the AYSO and National Soccer Halls of Fame.

Howard will be remembered not only for his contributions to our industry, but also for his generosity, humility, and passion for teaching. ELFA is grateful for the many years he dedicated to supporting our mission and strengthening the next generation of equipment finance professionals.

We honor his memory and extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Dee, his daughters, and his entire family.