Harry A. Scott

Harry Anthony Scott, 70, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2024. He was born on May 11, 1954 in Wheaton, Maryland to Philip and Eleanor Scott. He leaves behind his spouse, Shannon; his son, Nicholas, daughter-in-law, Ann, and grandchildren, Ben and Claire; his son, Michael, Mike’s fiancée, Anna, and his grandson, Cameron; his sister, Phyllis (Schneider), brother-in-law, Frank; and brother, Robert.

Harry was an engineer known for his dedication, passion, and meticulous attention to detail. He retired in February of 2012 after 37 years of dedication to the federal government. He began his career working as a co-op for the Navy at the David Taylor Model Basin in Bethesda. He then went to NIST in Gaithersburg where he forged his career in robotics research, including early research in automated manufacturing and autonomous vehicles. 

Outside of work, he engaged in house projects with his kids and grandkids. Whether it was installing new windows, building a deck, working on his cars, or a full bathroom rehaul, he approached each task with meticulous planning and enthusiasm. He had a way of empowering those around him to be able fix anything. If you were close to Harry, he probably convinced you to complete a project you were originally planning to hire someone else to do.

An avid mountain biker, cyclist, and camping enthusiast, Harry was always in his helmet and sunglasses. He hunted down as many single track trails he could find in the US: From the Colorado Rockies, to the Great Smokey Mountains, to the Adirondacks, to Deep Creek Lake, and beyond! He learned to mountain bike along with Nick and Mike when they were young and together enjoyed annual summer vacations dedicated to biking. The three boys rolled through creeks, fought up steep inclines, and hopped over downed tree trunks together. Once his grandkids came along, Harry would bike alongside them on their balance bikes on the trails. He and Shannon loved long road rides. These miles are what brought them together and where they fell in love. From St. Michael’s to the Cumberland Gap, gravel or road, they loved to be outdoors, on bikes, and with each other. Even in the face of illness, Harry continued to pursue his passion for the outdoors and biking with the same vigor. 

His legacy lives on in the memories of those whose lives he touched, leaving an indelible mark of inspiration and love. Harry will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His kindness, wisdom, and humility will continue to inspire generations to come.

A memorial service will be held at Beall Funeral Home in Bowie, MD on Friday, July 26th at 11am. Visitation will precede services starting at 9:30am.