Judge John F. Fader II

On January 30, 2026, the Honorable John Frederick Fader, II passed away peacefully. John was born in Baltimore. He attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and Towson Catholic High School. The first in his family to attend college, John graduated from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and then worked his way through the night program at the University of Maryland School of Law, graduating in 1968. After working as a solo practitioner in Towson, John became an associate judge on the District Court of Maryland in Baltimore County in 1977. In 1982, Governor Harry Hughes appointed John to be an associate judge on the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, where he served until November 11, 2003. He continued sitting in senior status from 2003 until 2025.

In addition to serving on the bench, John was very active in the broader legal community. He was active in the Baltimore County Bar Association and the Maryland State Bar Association. He taught law school courses for more than two decades, most notably Family Law, as a beloved adjunct faculty member at both the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and the University of Baltimore School of Law. He was an original co-author of the first edition of the legal treatise Maryland Family Law and primary author of the second and third editions. Later editions were named Fader's Maryland Family Law in his honor. He is remembered for his tireless work ethic, his mentorship to young lawyers and judges, his kindness and thoughtfulness, his sense of humor, and his fairness.

John met his wife, Kathy, while she was a pharmacy student. They married in 1970, on the first anniversary of their first date. John was predeceased by his parents, John Frederick Fader and Margaret Mary (Houck) Fader. John was a devoted father and grandfather, an avid reader, a collector of Lionel trains, a fan of Baltimore sports teams, and devotee of Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, John Wayne, H.L. Mencken, and Patsy Cline. He is remembered for his devotion, his example, his carpooling skills, and his love.

Beloved husband of Kathryn Klevenow Fader. Devoted father of Matthew John Fader and his wife Amanda, Miriam Kathryn Fader and her husband Joey. Loving grandfather of Emma, Faith, and Luke Major, and Ben, Zachary, and Ana Fader. Dear brother of Carolyn Ann Pawelczyk and her husband Tom. Dear brother-in-law of Spencer Howard Klevenow and his wife Suella. Also survived by five nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the family-owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home (Beltway exit 26) 1050 York Road, Towson, MD 21204 on Friday, February 6 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 7 at 10am at St. Joseph Parish, 100 Church Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the University of Maryland at Baltimore John F. Fader II Scholarship Fund (220 North Arch Street, 13th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21201; Attn: Sally Bell, Account # 40616) or to the Little Sisters of the Poor.