Henry Koellein, Jr. died on November 30, 2008 at University of Maryland Hospital following complications suffered from a massive heart attack.

Henry was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 2, 1926. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served with the Fourth Division I-3-25 during World War II until wounded on Iwo Jima. He later received the Purple Heart for his valiant efforts.

Henry returned to Baltimore after the war and served a three-year apprenticeship to become a First Class Baker. During this apprenticeship, he joined the Bakery, Confectionary and Tobacco Workers International Union Local 68. Henry rose through the ranks of his local union, where he served as president and business manager for 30 years.

In 1966, Henry married Barbara Ann Robertson, whom he credits for much of his success. They have five children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Henry became a labor representative on the board of directors of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Maryland, Inc., in 1967. Nine years later he was elected president of that organization, becoming the first president of a voluntary organization in Baltimore to come from the ranks of labor.

Following his service with Local 68 he was elected president of the Metropolitan Baltimore Council of AFL-CIO Unions where he served from 1980-1987.

Henry was then appointed by Governor William Donald Schaefer to Commissioner of the Maryland Division of Labor and Industry serving in this capacity from 1988-1996.

After his retirement in 1996, Henry was the original founder and president of the Atlantic Coast Chapter of the Maryland Saltwater Sports Fishermen's Association. He was president for 13 years and senior vice-president for the past two years. He was currently the legislative chairperson of the parent organization, MSSA. Henry was well known in and around the halls of the Maryland General Assembly as he doggedly pursued the legislative agenda for the recreational fisherman in the state of Maryland and more specifically for the people of Worcester County. He loved flounder fishing and he fought to protect the interests of the Ocean City flounder fishery, as well as protecting the coastal bays in which we fish.

Many other organizations have greatly benefited from Henry's commitment to the community as a whole and to the need for team effort. A small sampling of organizations that have gained from his commitment: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Maryland, OSHA/Environmental Network, the Maryland Food Bank, the Governor's Volunteer Council, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the N.A.A.C.P, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Maryland.

He helped to establish the Star Spangled Banner Chapter 25 of the 4th Marine Division and was recently elected to the position of National President of the 4th Marine Division Association of World War II. Henry was especially proud at being elected as National President because of his lifelong devotion to his Marine Corps roots.

Henry was happiest with a fishing rod in his hand, cheering on the Ravens, working on any project on behalf of his Marines and/or spending time with his beloved family and his devoted Westie Mary.

Henry is survived by his wife of 42 years Barbara, his daughters Christine, Katherine and Donna, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Viewing will take place on Thursday December 4th from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Barranco and Sons Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park. Funeral service will be held on Friday December 5th at 11AM at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 400 Benfield Road, Severna Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry's memory may be made to Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 400 Benfield Road, Severna Park.