Cumberland, MD - CUMBERLAND [mdash] Howard was born in Cumberland on Sept.25, 1946. He passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his home of natural causes on April 24, 2026. Most of his life was filled with great joy, remarkable blessings and successes, and a deep spiritual connection with the God of his understanding.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Geraldine and John Reynolds. His father was a WWII Vet.

Howard was named after his uncle, Howard "Farmer" Northcraft. Howard's father and uncle introduced him to the game of baseball at an early age. He was one of the most prolific baseball players ever to play in Cumberland. Some of his Dapper Dan, Hot Stove, and High School records still stand today. He also excelled at basketball at Fort Hill and regretted not being able to play football. He is a 1964 graduate from Fort Hill High School.

Howard went on to excel at Frostburg in and out of the classroom. He graduated with honors after leading his baseball and basketball teams to state and national recognition. He reached the rank of All American while playing baseball under coach Bob Wells at Frostburg.

He went on to teach and coach for several years after graduating in 1968. He recently assisted in the Coach Bobby Cavanaugh baseball clinic for Cumberland's little league program.

Athletic Highlights: Howard earned N.A.I.A. All-American Honorable Mention honors three consecutive years (1965, 1966, 1967), each at a different position—shortstop, outfielder, and catcher. He finished his career with a .368 batting average, the highest in Frostburg State history at the time of his induction into the Bobcat Hall of Fame, and remains the only player in school history to bat over .400 twice (.467 in 1965 and .403 in 1967). His .467 average ranked 13th nationally in the N.A.I.A. He led the team in multiple offensive categories, was named Team MVP in 1967, and uniquely played all nine positions.

As a basketball player, Howard was a two-year starting guard, scoring 342 career points, including a standout 38-point game during the 1967-68 season.

Howard dedicated much of his life to the study and practice of healing, education, and personal development. He earned multiple master's degrees in physical education, counseling psychology, and school psychology, and went on to become a licensed acupuncture practitioner, earning his Master of Acupuncture degree from the Tai Sophia Institute in Maryland and the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in England.

He was also certified in Zero Balancing and completed extensive training in organizational development, leading to consulting work with various organizations. A lifelong student and teacher, Howard served as a meditation instructor for over 40 years and taught Chi Gung since 1997, helping others improve their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

He lived on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, San Diego, and Phoenix before moving back to Cumberland a little over a decade ago. He was an avid Fort Hill football fan who rarely missed a home game or state championship.

In his later years, his sport of choice became swimming; something he enjoyed throughout the year. During the winter months, he could often be found at the Best Western pool. In the summer months, he spent many enjoyable hours with his friends at the Mullaney pool.

He also loved getting away from the cold and spending time in San Antonio with his very special friends, Tom and Constance Keyser.

Howard is survived by a host of cousins and a special group of friends and clients who were fortunate enough to share time with one of God's most gentle and generous souls. He was gifted with the ability to be a great listener. From that gift, he was able to assist in a lot of personal and couples therapy that helped many individuals and scores of families to find solutions and maintain healthy relationships. He was very humble and proud of being able to help others in their time of need.

Perhaps Howard's greatest asset to humanity was his kindness, compassion, acceptance, and love of his brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held at the Cumberland Country Club on June 6, 2026, from 12 to 3 p.m.

His legacy lives on, not in records or accolades, but in the countless lives he touched with quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering kindness.

Condolences may be left at www.scarpellifh.com.