Michael L. Haring

Michael Lee Haring, 52, of Cambridge, died Monday, August 2 of injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident on the Tappan Zee Bridge in Nyack, New York. Mr. Haring was traveling on vacation with his wife, Carole, and their Black Lab, Sophie, who were not injured in the accident. Mike was born in Cambridge on August 14, 1957, the son of the late Arthur Stuart Haring and Doris Wheeler Haring of Cambridge, and was a lifelong resident of that city. In his early years he was both a Cub Scout and Boy Scout and also played Little League baseball. He had a great appreciation for music and played the drums in school bands. He was a 1975 graduate of Cambridge High School where he ran cross country, track and played on the Raider's football team. During his high school years he was a defenseman for the Cambridge Lacrosse Club and he continued to play lacrosse through college. In 1980, he graduated from Salisbury State College, where he served as a tutor, was on the Dean's list, and was a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society. He continued his education throughout his career graduating from the Eastern Shore Police Training Center in 1981, the FBI National Academy in 1992, and ultimately earning a Master's of Science in Management from Wilmington College in 1999. Mike spent his entire personal and professional life serving the citizens of Dorchester County, his family and friends. His volunteer activities ranged from teaching Sunday school at Grace Church to working with the EagleMan Triathlon. Those who knew Mike will remember he was always the first to lend a hand to anyone in need or any worthy cause. Mike began his professional career of public service as a dispatcher for the City of Cambridge Police Department. After college he went to work for the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office and advanced through the ranks to Sergeant, Chief of Operations, and finally to Chief Deputy Sheriff over a distinguished and decorated 20 year career. In 1991 Mike earned a Governor's Citation for his service to Dorchester County. He retired from his law enforcement career at the rank of Captain.

Growing up in a family of firefighters, Mike also felt the calling to the fire service. He was a member of the Rescue Fire Company of Cambridge (RFC) for many years where he served as Secretary, Ambulance Captain and was honored as Firefighter of the Year. In 1998, Mike continued his public service to the citizens of Dorchester County by joining the professional staff of the Board of Education as Transportation Manager. For the last three years, Mike was the Safety and Energy Manager for the district, taking the lead role in the district's repeatedly earning national recognition for its energy conservation. In his personal time, Mike was usually found serving, assisting, or entertaining his family, friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, traveling, and scuba diving, especially with the David Herring family of Hurlock. Through his extensive Scuba training and experience, Mike had attained a Master Diver level of certification. He was also a member of Elks Lodge 1272 and even though he was retired from Law Enforcement, he remained active with the FBI National Academy Association.

In 2001, he married his long-time companion, Carole McClain, who survives him. He was the proud stepfather of Stephen Andrews of Easton, Maryland, and his wife, Dawn; Jennifer Sullivan of Natick, Massachusetts, and her husband, John; and Michael Andrews of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and his wife, Amanda. His grandchildren are Alex, Berkley, Matthew, Colby and William Andrews; Cheshire and Braeden Sullivan and Addison and Rylan Andrews. All his stepchildren and grandchildren survive him. Likewise, he is survived by his sister, Judy Zemko of Florida; his niece, Lisa Hanley and her husband, Army Lt.Col. Thomas Hanley, currently stationed in Florida, and their daughters Katie and Chelsea. He was preceded in death by his brother Donald "Stu" Haring who died on April 9, 2010 and is survived by Donald's wife, Pat of Trappe, her daughter, Gail Lesser of Charlottesville, Virginia, and her husband, Jan, and their children Ryan and Eric.

A memorial and celebration of life service will be held at 2 PM Sunday, August 15, at the Cambridge-South Dorchester High School auditorium with the Rev. Mary Ann Farnell officiating. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 PM. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Mrs. Doris Weber, 5163 Maple Dam Road, Cambridge, MD 21613. Arrangements are being handled by the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.