After a long, full, and colorful life, Harry B. Packard passed away and “crossed over Jordan” on 8 November 2024.  Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on 28 July 1937, Harry was the first child of Harold “Hap” and Catherine “Kate” Packard.  The Packard family moved to Maryland in 1947 and settled in Takoma Park.  Harry graduated Montgomery Blair High School in 1955, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and then graduated from Dickinson College in 1963. 

After college, Harry married Ellen Hasenritter, with whom he had three children:  Matthew, Pamela, and Kristin.  He worked 20 years as the Facilities Manager for Montgomery College (MC).  After retiring from MC in 1990, he founded Packard Enterprises, moved to the Maryland Eastern Shore (Centreville, later Chestertown), re-married to Brooke Logan, and worked another 25 years doing construction and home improvements. 

Very much a family man, Harry was always deeply involved in the lives of his family and the communities in which he lived.  At various times, he coached numerous boys’ and girls’ recreation league softball, basketball, soccer and football teams, was a Boy Scout Troop Scoutmaster, and was very proud of his attendance record at his grandchildren’s school Grandparent’s Days, Field Days, dance recitals, musical performances, and sports events.  He served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Boards of Montgomery (once as President) and Kent Counties and on the Public Library Board of Trustees for Queen Anne’s and Kent Counties.  He was a long-time member of the Chestertown Lions Club and supporter of the Sultanna Education Foundation.

Harry had a lifelong love of bluegrass music.  Throughout his adult life he was always in at least one bluegrass band, playing guitar and usually acting as Master of Ceremonies in several bands from the 1960’s until just a few years before his death, as well as attending countless bluegrass concerts, festivals, and “pickin’ parties.”  He had a true musical talent and stage presence, a deep and broad knowledge of the music, its history and its musicians, and he had a line from a bluegrass song for literally every occasion and situation!

Harry also had a lifelong interest in sports and was a talented and versatile athlete nearly his entire life.  He played varsity football in high school (and in 2023 was inducted into the Montgomery Blair Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the 1955 undefeated varsity football team), the Marine Corps, and college, and later played recreation league touch football, softball, and basketball well into his 50’s.  Even in his 60’s and 70’s he often competed in the Senior Olympics and was a gold medalist in several track and field events.  He was a Washington Redskins season ticket holder for nearly 40 years and attended the game for each of the Redskins’ Super Bowl appearances.

Most of all, Harry loved his family and friends.  He had lifelong friends from school, the Marine Corps, college, the bluegrass bands in which he played, and whatever activities in which he involved himself.  More impressively, he was always able to mix these circles of friends.  There is a poem called “The True Gentleman” that has a line describing a man “who appears well in any company…”  That line definitely described Harry.

Harry is survived by his three children, wife Brooke, nine grandchildren, and brother Hugh.  His friends and family may take comfort and courage in knowing that he is now singing in God’s “Angel Band”!

There will be a Celebration of Life service, followed by a meal and bluegrass pickin’ party on 8 February 2025 from noon until 5 in the Damascus American Legion Post 171 Party Room (10201 Lewis Drive, Damascus, MD  20872). 

 ** Please contact Matthew Packard (301-461-7499, Packard.matthewL@yahoo.com) for more information. **

Online condolences may be shared with the family at: www.molesworthwilliams.com

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