Cumberland—Howard Francis Stitcher, 81, of Cumberland, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023, at the Egle House Memory Care Assisted Living Facility.

Born in Cumberland, Maryland, on October 30, 1942, he was the son of the late James F. and Eleanor (Reichert) Stitcher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Keith Stitcher and wife Mary Joyce; brothers-in-law, Jerry Kowalsky, George Geatz, and George Weaver and wife Rusha; sister-in-law, Kathleen "Kitty" Stone.

Howard was a graduate of LaSalle High School, class of 1960. After high school, he served his country in the United States Air Force. After being discharged, he returned to Cumberland and was employed at the Kelly Springfield Tire Company as a truck tire builder. When the Kelly Factory closed in Cumberland, Howard began his carpet cleaning business. Later, he attended the Diesel Institute and became a truck driver.

Howard was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Our Lady of the Mountains Parish, the Knights of Columbus Cumberland Council 586, Wamba Caravan Order of the Alhambra 89, and the Vietnam Veterans Association. He was also involved in the Alhambra Catholic Invitational Basketball Tournament and the Special Olympics.

Howard enjoyed riding his motorcycle and socializing with his friends and family.

Howard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda (Weaver) Stitcher; children, D. Scott Stitcher and wife Nancy "Posey," Kiera L. Sites and husband Joshua, H. Jason Stitcher and wife Angela, and Heidi A. Pesta and husband Andrew; grandchildren, Sally Stitcher, Deynan Stitcher, Emma Sites, Benjamin Sites, Sam Stitcher, Kylie Stitcher, and Abbie Stitcher; sister, Debbie Kowalsky; sister-in law, Marianne Geatz; brother-in-law, Martin Stone. Howard is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of sending flowers, those wishing to honor Howard's memory may make contributions to the Egle Nursing and Rehab Center, c/o the Memory Care Facility,  PO Box 250, Lonaconing, MD 21539, or the Special Olympics, c/o the Hooley Plunge, 13515 Atkins Ln. SW, LaVale, MD 21502.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, on Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Alhambra Wamba Caravan 89 will conduct a crescent service at 6:45 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Inurnment will be at MD State Veteran's Cemetery, Rocky Gap, on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.