Howard S. Freedlander

Howard S. Freedlander, “Howdy,” beloved husband, father, grandfather died unexpectedly on June 26 of complications from pancreatitis at Luminus Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. He was 78. Raised in Baltimore, Freedlander graduated from City College in 1963 and earned a B. A. in journalism and political science in 1967 at the University of Pennsylvania where he played varsity lacrosse. He earned a Master of Science in Military Strategic Intelligence from the Joint Military College. A life-long passion for writing led Freedlander and his family to move to Easton, Maryland in 1978 where he worked for Chesapeake Publishing Corporation and edited several weekly newspapers including the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. For the last 10 years, he enjoyed writing his weekly column for the Talbot Spy. He was a 44-year resident of Talbot County before moving to Annapolis in 2020. Freedlander served in the Maryland National Guard for 22 years. He was the Executive Officer/Director of Public Affairs and Legislative Liaison when he retired in 2003 with the rank of Colonel. During his service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the federal Meritorious Service Medal, and the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross. “My friend COL Howard Freedlander contributed his intelligence and compassion to foster a relationship of trust and understanding between Guard members and its Maryland neighbors,” said Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, Adjutant General, Maryland. After retiring from the National Guard, Freedlander served nearly eight years as the Maryland Deputy Treasurer to State Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp. “As Deputy Treasurer, he was “perceptive, understanding and truly wise counsel; leaving an important legacy to Maryland,” Kopp said. Known for his many years of community service to non-profit organizations, Freedlander served on numerous boards throughout his life including the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Leadership Maryland, National Flag Day Foundation, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Waterfowl Festival, Talbot County School Education Foundation, Maryland Historical Trust, and the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club. Devoted to his beloved alma mater, Penn, Freedlander served as the President of the Class of ’67, connecting classmates through reunions and recently monthly class Zooms. Freedlander was a generous donor, respected for his ability to invite philanthropy to all the organizations he served. According to Talbot County friend Dick Bodorff, “Howard was active for more than 4 decades as a board member of nonprofit organizations on the Eastern Shore. He was not content with mere membership on the boards of these organizations and was determined to make a difference. They are all much the better for Howard's involvement.” In an interview with Spy publisher Dave Wheelan in 2020, he described his career and philosophy of community service: talbotspy.org/remembering-spy-columnist-howard-freedlander He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth Colt Pierson, and their two daughters, Katherine Colt Fisher and Elizabeth Stark Langbein, four grandchildren and brother Barrett Freedlander. A celebration of his life and friendship will be held on August 28 at the Naval Academy Fluegel Alumni Center located in Annapolis on 301 King George St. from 5 to 7 P.M. His family requests that donations in his honor be made to Historic Annapolis, The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, or the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. Photo credit: Dave Harp.

Howard S. Freedlander

August 31, 1945 - June 25, 2024