Howard Lawrence Schriefer, 81, affectionately known as Scub (Scoob) was born in Baltimore, MD to Lawrence and Mary Schriefer.  He attended St. Katharine's Catholic School Baltimore, MD, Poly Technical High School, University of Maryland College Park-Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University-Masters in Structural Engineering, Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in 26 states.  In his 60s he became a Merchant Marine professor teaching cadets on board ship and sailing the world, crossing the Equator and the Arctic Circle, participating in both the Shellback and Blue Nose ceremonies.  Howard had a youthful vitality, he never got "old."

His work history includes; A&P Grocery Store, Maryland Drydock, working on ships, Western Electric, engineering, Susquehanna Contracting, self-employed building and remodeling homes, Cianbro, superintendent on Conowingo Dam restoration project in the 1980s.  Susquehanna Diversified Engineering, self employed PE.  He was a working engineer up until his passing.

Howard enjoyed many things in his life including; playing guitar and singing, listening to all kinds of music, canoeing the Susquehanna River, recreational shooting, traveling the USA and abroad, German beer, speaking in German and Spanish, entertaining, talking to people, long walks. He had a great love of science and mathematics and spent considerable time researching, building models of molecular structures, and doing mathematical calculations.

Howard was an intelligent man with and inquisitive mind that was always searching for the answers and explanation of everything.

He was a man of faith with a devotion the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Meeting his wife Theresa and her family introduced him to very warm and jovial people that he immediately embraced and cherished.  Laughter, food, and many family gatherings filled his heart with joy!  They raised a family of three children and continued the tradition of gathering family and friends for any and all occasions.  He enjoyed his family immensely during these celebrations!

Howard loved his wife Theresa of 55 years passionately and completely.  His devotion to her during her prolonged illness was commendable, visiting her daily, talking and laughing with her and showing her great care and affection.

Howard was a diligent worker and excellent provider for his family.  He never complained about work.  He often said,  "if you need more money make it."

He had a silly and quirky sense of humor and loved to laugh.  He was not pretentious but preferred a casual more relaxed attitude in life and dress.

Howard was involved in his church, St. Patrick's in Havre de Grace, MD.  He especially enjoyed his time doing prison ministry at the Harford County Detention Center,  volunteer on the Liberty Ship John W. Brown in Baltimore.  He did many remodeling projects on his own home.  He was an extremely independent man, preferring to do most things himself.

He spoke often about his time teaching the cadets in the Merchant Marines and his travels and experiences at sea and abroad.  His stories were endless, and he could remember people's names even from childhood!

Howard was a generous man, giving of his time, talents, and resources.  He was fair and kind but stood his ground and had no trouble speaking his mind.

Recently he would say he had no regrets and no bucket list.  He was content with his life, saying it was satisfying and was grateful for it.  Jokingly he would add that he outlived his expiration date!

Howard L. Schriefer is survived by his children Christine Nelson, Mike Walters, and Katharine Lawson (Troy Lawson, Sr.), Grandchildren Chris Nelson, Becky Nelson, Stephen Nelson, Troy Lawson, Jr. (Kaitlynn Lawson), Elizabeth Lawson, Great grandson Troy Lawson, III and other loving relatives.

Mr. Schriefer will lie-in-state at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 222 Law Street, Aberdeen, Maryland 21001 on Wednesday, January 31 from 9:15-10:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 10:00 AM with Fr. Dan Acquard officiating. Interment will follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens with Deacon Ray VanPelt officiating. In lieu of flowers, please remember Howard with memorial contributions to the S.S. John W. Brown Liberty Ship.

To view the Livestreaming of the service please use this link: https://www.youtube.com/stjoanofarcchurch