Jeffrey Harclerode

Jeffrey Harclerode, a beloved patriarch, skilled craftsman, and cherished friend, passed away on July 12, 2025, in Columbia, Maryland, at the age of sixty-nine. He was born on November 8, 1955, in Oakland, and lived a life marked by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to both his profession and those he loved.

Jeffery began his career by joining the plumbers union early on, laying the foundational stones of his future with diligence and tenacity. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he later founded Apex Plumbing, a venture that not only transformed the landscape of plumbing across multiple states but also provided invaluable employment to many. His work can be seen reflected in the many multifamily apartments that grace our cities today, standing as a testament to his expertise and commitment to quality.

Jeffrey’s talents extended beyond the tools of his trade. He attended the University of Miami on a baseball scholarship, which marked the beginning of a lifelong love for sports. In his later years, he found joy in nurturing this passion by actively participating in his sons' athletic ventures, earning him the affectionate title of the “cool dad” among his children's peers. Jeffrey understood that motivation and hard work were paramount, lessons that he imparted with grace and humor.

His character was that of warmth and vivacity; he was the life of the party, an entertainer at heart who reveled in storytelling and engaging conversations. Jeffrey possessed the rare gift of making people feel seen and heard, fostering connections that transcended the superficial. He enjoyed playing strategy games such as cards and shared countless memories working alongside his sons, illuminating everyday tasks with laughter and joy.

In his leisure time, Jeffrey found solace on the golf course, reveled in watching movies, indulged in reading, and celebrated the spirit of competition by attending professional sporting events. His greatest pride, however, was found in embracing every moment spent cheering for his children as they played sports, solidifying his role as a dedicated and loving father.

Jeffrey is survived by his former wife Diane Von Paris and their three sons, Jeff, Nick, and Austin Harclerode, their wives and five granchildren.

Despite the challenges he faced in his later years, including a diagnosis of cancer, Jeffrey’s spirit remained indomitable, characterized by resilience and strength. His legacy will endure through the hearts of those he inspired, the lives he touched, and the stories that will be lovingly retold by family and friends alike.