DECEASED ALUM:  ERIC JOSEPH HARDER, DSc - FHHS '78  

Of Cheverly, MD, on February 14, 2018, aged 58, after a valiant fight with cancer. Beloved husband of Elizabeth (Ryan); devoted father to Brendan, Séan (Sarah Blorstad), Patrick and Deirdre; loving son of the late Dr. Robert Harry Harder and Judith McCarvel Harder; older brother of Paul (Anne), Ted (Debbie) and Beau (Robin). His passing is deeply regretted by his extended family: father and mother-in-law, Robert J. and Anne P. Ryan; brother-in-law, Robert J. Ryan, III (Kathryn); little sister-in-law, Anne Ryan Hanafin (Michael); and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Eric's grace, courage, and strength in the face of his extended illness were an inspiration to all who loved him.

His intelligence, kindness, compassion, and above all, his sense of humor, will continue to resonate in the lives of countless people, including: his professional colleagues from over 25 years of service at the Department of Defense, Washington DC; his many former students and student-athletes, especially those from DeMatha Catholic High School, Hyattsville MD, Elizabeth Seton High School, Bladensburg MD, and the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis MD; his former Scouts and fellow Scout Leaders at Troop #257, Boy Scouts of America; his fellow alumni from the College of William and Mary (BS, 1983), University of Maryland University College (BS, 1988), and George Washington University (MS, 1993, DSc, 1998); his neighbors in the Cheverly community; and his many friends, locally and elsewhere.

A memorial service honoring Eric's life was held on Saturday, March 3 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4512 College Avenue, College Park MD, with visitation at 10 a.m., prior to services starting at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the DeMatha Convocation Center, 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville MD. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric's memory can be sent to the DeMatha Catholic High School Crew Team [dematha.org] (or by check payable to DeMatha Crew, "In Memory of Eric Harder" and mailed to 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville MD 20781) or Doctors Without Borders[donate.doctorswithoutborders.org].

- Submtted by Jocelyn Folsom, FHHS '79 on May 18, 2018 from information published in The Washington Post on Feb. 25, 2018