Howard Charles Krauth, Jr. passed away peacefully at Hospice in Callaway, MD, on February 19, 2026, after a brief illness, with his family by his side in his final moments. Born April 17, 1936, in New York, NY, “Howie” built a life rooted in hard work and service.
He was trained as an architect at Pratt Institute and spent his career working for the City of New York and later at Singer Kearfott / GEC-Marconi.
He met Claudia in 1958, as coworkers at Seaporcel Metals in Long Island City. They married on May 5, 1962 in St. Albans, NY beginning a family that would anchor every chapter of his life. Claudia was his constant, his rock, and his greatest support.
In 1972, he and his family moved to a home on Fayson Lakes, where he spent over 25 years renovating the house largely by hand. A natural fixer and builder, he was often found working on cars or lending his skills wherever they were needed. He volunteered within the community in many capacities, but especially enjoyed roles that supported children, including ongoing involvement with the swim team and helping at Labor Day races. He also loved sailing on the lake, surrounded by a fleet of Dusters handcrafted by members of the regatta club including his young son, Howie, III.
He often took his children into New York City to visit family, where they delighted in traditions like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, which instilled a love of the city to his children, and now his granddaughter Emma.
When he wasn’t working or volunteering, you could find him on the golf course, usually lingering happily at the 19th hole. He was always planning the next golf trip with his son, Howie, III.
That love of golf ultimately brought him and his wife to Pawleys Island where they retired in 1999 off the 14th hole of Tradition Golf Club for nearly 20 years. There were countless rounds played, years spent in the men’s club, and time devoted to organizing pairings, a role that required matching grown men together and which he took very seriously. He continued his volunteer work there as well, helping with buildings and grounds in both his community and his church.
He is survived by his loyal, devoted, and loving wife of 63 years, Claudia, who supported him in everything; his son, Howard III, and daughter-in-law, Ashley; his daughter, Merrie Beth; and his beloved grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, and Adelaide. The oldest of three brothers, he is survived by his youngest brother Albert. He was welcomed to heaven by his parents, Emma and Howard Sr., his brother Roger, dear friend Jack Niederer, Cousin Fred, and countless golf buddies.
A memorial mass will be held at a future date. In honor of his hard work and love of golf, donations may be made to the Evans Scholars Foundation, supporting hardworking caddies in their pursuit of a college education.
He would often quote Peggy Lee, asking, “Is that all there is?”
Yes. And it’s wonderful.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.