Harry E. Diehl

Harry E. Diehl, 94, of Everett, died peacefully in his home at Spring House Estates on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. He was with his family and loving caregivers from Spring House. Gentiva Hospice also provided caring and support for Harry and for his children. Born June 23,1929 in Cumberland MD, Harry was the fifth of six children of the late Glen W. and Edith M. (Brown) Diehl. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years Charlotte B. Diehl on May 7, 2023. He is survived by their four children: Cheryl D. Costanzo, Brenda J. Diehl, Kendall B. Diehl and Gordon P. Diehl; four grandchildren: James J. Hance, Matthew J. Hance, Patrick D. Ruffner and Harry A. Ruffner; five great-grandchildren and a brother James L. Diehl. Harry was also preceded in death by four siblings: Roseanne, Lillian, Darrell and Charles.

As a child, Harry lived with his family in Hyndman and in Pittsburgh PA. They moved to Cumberland MD where he met Charlotte at Methodist Youth Fellowship at Trinity Methodist Church. He attended Fort Hill High School where he and Charlotte played French horns in the school band. They spent many happy times together and fell in love. In 1952, they were united in marriage, beginning a lifelong journey together. They both received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from Frostburg State Teacher’s College. Harry enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed aboard the USCGC CHEROKEE out of Norfolk, VA as OCS and Yeoman 2nd Class. Following his service, he earned his Master's in Education degree from the University of Maryland in College Park. Harry and Charlotte moved their new family to Rockville MD in 1959.

He became an Elementary School Principal serving in Montgomery County Public Schools for 25 years. Harry’s love of the outdoors took his family camping from South Carolina and the Outer Banks to New England. Harry and Charlotte were very active in church ministries and held many positions at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church in Rockville. Harry and Charlotte loved to sing in the church choir and were members of several community choruses. Harry’s true love was sailing. In 1979, he bought the first of three sailboats. He and Charlotte had many adventures sailing the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay often accompanied by family. Later they embarked on several cruises from Maine and Nova Scotia to Alaska and The British Virgin Islands. They joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and continued to use their skills helping others for over 10 years. Upon retirement, Harry and Charlotte vacationed every summer at Nags Head NC with friends. Harry and Charlotte were bound by love and the worship of God. Their faith and love of family and friends was foremost in their lives

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., at Homewood at Springhouse Estates.  Burial at Hillcrest Burial Park, Cumberland, MD.