William Donald Schaefer Passes Away

Once asked how he would like to be remembered, Schaefer replied "He Cared."

ANNAPOLIS (April 18, 2011) — Governor Martin O'Malley, on behalf of the State of Maryland, this evening announced with deepest sorrow, the death of William Donald Schaefer, who served eight years as the 58th Governor of Maryland, eight years as the 32nd Comptroller of the State, and 15 years as the 52nd Mayor of Baltimore. Governor O'Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff effective immediately.

Mr. Schaefer, born on November 2, 1921, was age 89.

"I join all Marylanders in mourning the loss of one of our own — Maryland's indomitable statesman, William Donald Schaefer," said Governor O'Malley. "William Donald Schaefer loved his city and his state with great exuberance because there was nothing more important to him than the people that he served with such loyalty. From his famous 'no excuses' leadership style, to his celebrated public persona, William Donald Schaefer demonstrated an unrelenting drive to make Maryland a better place. His legacy lives not merely in the buildings that bear his name, nor the statue that bears his likeness, but in the lives and hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known him and lucky enough to have been served by him."

Governor O'Malley has directed that the former governor will lie in state in the State House in Annapolis and the Rotunda of Baltimore City Hall. Times and dates for lying in State and funeral services will be announced.

For more history on William Donald Schaefer, visit the Maryland State Archive and WikiPedia.