Howard S. “Howdy” Freedlander, a retired Maryland deputy treasurer and National Guard spokesman, died of complications from pancreatitis June 26 at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. He was 78 and lived in Annapolis.
Born in Boston and raised in Baltimore, he was the son of Maurice P. Freedlander, a real estate developer, and Leah Stark, who was active in political campaigns, including those of William Donald Schaefer, a Democrat and one time governor.
A 1963 graduate of Baltimore City College, he earned a degree in journalism and political science at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where he played varsity lacrosse. He also received a master’s degree in military strategic intelligence from the Joint Military College, in Washington, D.C.
“In high school he took a summer course in writing at Park School [of Baltimore] that piqued his interest in the craft of writing,” said his wife, Elizabeth Colt Pierson Freedlander.
In the 1970s he served as the Glenelg Country School’s director of development and publicity. He increased contributions to the Howard County School, helped raise money for a kindergarten addition and started an annual bull roast and auction.
His wife said his passion for writing led him and his family to move to Easton in 1978 where he worked for Chesapeake Publishing Corp, editing several weekly newspapers including the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer.
For the last 10 years, he enjoyed writing a weekly column for the Talbot Spy.
Mr. Freedlander lived for 44 years in Easton’s historic district before moving to Annapolis in 2020.
“He loved the sense of belonging and opportunity to contribute in a small town that made life for Howdy particularly rewarding,” his wife said.
Mr. Freedlander served in the Maryland National Guard for 22 years as the executive officer, director of public affairs and later a legislative liaison. He worked to gain approval by Congress of nearly $4 million for runway expansion at Warfield Air National Guard Base in Middle River.
He retired in 2003 as a colonel.
He was awarded the Legion of Merit, the federal Meritorious Service Medal and the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross.
“Howard contributed his intelligence and compassion to foster a relationship of trust and understanding between Guard members and their Maryland neighbors,” said Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, Adjutant General, Maryland, in a statement.
After retiring from the National Guard, Mr. Freedlander served nearly eight years as Maryland’s deputy treasurer to former State Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp.
“Howard was perceptive, understanding and truly wise counsel. He left an important legacy to Maryland,” Ms. Kopp said.
Mr. Freedlander sat on numerous boards throughout his life including the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Leadership Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club.
He was an active Penn alumnus, and as a past president of his class worked to connect classmates through reunions and monthly class virtual calls.
His wife said he was a generous donor.
“He was respected for his ability to invite philanthropy to all the organizations he served,” she said.
Dick Bodorff, a friend, said: “Howard was active for more than four 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.”
A celebration of his life and friendship will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Naval Academy Fluegel Alumni Center at 301 King George Street in Annapolis.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth Colt Pierson Freedlander, a retired Talbot Hospice executive director; two daughters, Katherine Colt Fisher, of Phoenix, Maryland, and Elizabeth Stark Langbein, of Annapolis; a brother, Barrett Freedlander, of Baltimore; and four grandchildren.
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