Michael Scheerer

For it is in giving that we receive
Saint Francis of Assisi

Michael Henry Scheerer
1941-2019

Michael Henry Scheerer shared his infectious enthusiasm for life with all he loved and knew. Mike built his life around four themes: Faith, Family, Friends and Fun. Baltimore born January 10, 1941, Michael and his younger brother Joseph were close in age and activity. In their early teens, the close family relocated to Williamsport, Maryland. After their move, Mike attended and graduated from Saint Maria Goretti High School in Hagerstown. The brothers were active in Boy Scouts and their church. As an Eagle Scout, Mike worked at the Scout summer camp as a water front director. His interest and outreach to others are qualities he exhibited throughout his life. Always encouraging others to learn and grow, he encouraged a close friend to consider applying to Frostburg State Teachers College where Mike had been accepted. The high school classmates became Allen Hall roommates for four years and life-long friends.

In 1963, Mike received his Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg State Teachers College in Secondary Education. His four years at Frostburg provided multiple opportunities and experiences to develop his interests including membership in the History Club and Newman Club. He was the founding President of his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), which fostered a lifelong relationship with members and faculty advisors. Fraternity brothers describe Michael as “an expert on TKE ritual, ceremony and lore”, “a dear friend” and “a leader of men”

After graduation from Frostburg, Mike became a teacher at his high school alma mater in Hagerstown. While teaching he met Katharine (Kathy) Moran who would become the love of his life and his wife of 49 years. They shared so many of the same values, goals and vision for their lives. Their love and devotion to each other was obvious to anyone in their presence. Their strong sense of family welcomed six children, five sons and one daughter. Over the years, their family grew with the addition of eight grandchildren. Together, Mike and Kathy refined the art of parenting as well as grandparenting.

Career choice an educator prompted a master’s degree in Education from Loyola College in Baltimore and the opportunity to work as a counselor at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. While working at “the Mount” Mike pursued a Masters of Business Administration from the university. This degree led to an opportunity to work in human resources for Mack Truck in Hagerstown. Eventually, job opportunities took the family to the Allentown area of Pennsylvania where Mike worked for several firms. The family settled in Central Valley with family members living nearby.

On January 2, 2019, Michael lost his unforeseen battle with cancer. After his diagnosis, Mike used the 4F’s (Faith, Family, Friends & Fun) to create a supportive environment for his family and friends to gather, stay in touch and make each day count. This speaks to his ongoing concern for others as a brother, a husband, a father, a grandparent, and a friend.

Mike’s college roommate wrote,” Michael H. Scheerer is a fervent and forever friend! Neither the dimming effects of time, nor the separation due to great distances discouraged or diminished his devotion to his friends. For friends, his memory was long and unrelenting. It is safe to say that the people he met during his life would join in chorus saying “thanks for everything, good and faithful friend!”

These memories are a powerful legacy to be shared and cherished by all who knew and loved Michael Henry Scheerer.