Larry Harden
Apr 30, 1946 - Feb 9, 2016
Davenport, CA
Larry Bernard Harden died on Tuesday, Feb 9, of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare and incurable lung disease, at Dominican Hospital, Santa Cruz. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James Harden and Mabel Minick Harden, his brother, William Harden, and his brother in law James Hinkle. He is survived by his devoted wife, Frances Politeo, daughter, Rachelle Denise Bowman, son, Timothy Francis Harden, grandchildren, Elizabeth, Madeleine and Eli Bowman, his brother, Robert Harden and wife Judy, sister, Betty Jane Hinkle, son in law, Lindy Bowman, daughter in law Christine Cole Harden, his nephew, William Harden and his wife, his nieces Julie, Karen, Mary Beth and Rebecca and their husbands, and many great nieces and nephews.
Larry grew up in Frostburg and studied Fine Arts at the prestigious Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. He arrived in San Jose, CA, 20 years ago to teach Fine Arts at Bellarmine College Prep. An Abstract Expressionist painter, photographer and sketch artist, Larry was a beloved teacher for over 38 years. His art is featured in galleries in California and Washington, D.C.
He was particularly proud of the former Davenport Gallery, which he founded with other fine artists in the Santa Cruz Co area.
A devout and progressive Catholic, Larry felt personally responsible for the spiritual and human needs of all he encountered. He gave all he could to friends and strangers alike. Larry truly lived his spiritual beliefs, one day at a time.
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, Feb 17, 2016, at 11 o'clock at the Bellarmine Chapel on the campus of Bellarmine High School in San Jose.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Santa Cruz Co Homeless Services Center or Native Animal Rescue.
Fernwood Funeral Home and Cemetery
310 Tennessee Valley Road, Mill Valley, CA 94941 Phone: 415-383-7100

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Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Feb. 14, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Harden

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

12 Entries

One of my favorites

Gerald Bulmash

February 8, 2021

Am grateful to have Larry's wonderful art to remind me of him.

John Spry

February 23, 2017

For the last two weeks, I have been inexplicably traveling backward by memory to the years 1973-75. Having just seen this, I think I now know why. I was his student, in every sense, during the spring of 1973 and the whole of 1975. He introduced me to Thoreau. He told me that he always wanted me to think. He taught me not to fear to make a line on a blank paper, just so long as I made it boldly. This was one of the deepest, and kindest men I have ever known. What a blessed mentor for a young man of 15 and 17. Know that he is remembered.
John Spry

Jerry Bulmash

February 26, 2016

I have one of Larry's abstract paintings and find it delightful. Everyday it appears new to me as if I am seeing it for the first time. I have known Larry for a year and will miss him.

Monica Tafoya

February 23, 2016

Larry made me love art. I started in his class as a student aide. He had too many aides so I became a student. He was so good at teaching that I ended up getting my degree from the UofMD in art education. Shortly after I graduated from college I ran into Larry in College Park. I let him know how he changed my life. It feels like yesterday that I was in his class not over 40 years ago.

ann Moore hendley

February 22, 2016

I was in Larry'y first class at Parkdale . Always loved him the best ever

Ann Moore-Hendley

February 22, 2016

I was in Larry's first class at Parkdale he had a core of students that spent every moment with him loved him

February 22, 2016

Please except my condolences. May the God of Creation give you comfort and strength. I know Mr. Harden will be deeply missed.

Garrick Claggett

February 22, 2016

Sorry to read about your loss. Know that God can be an enduring source of strength to help you to cope. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Brenda Make

February 17, 2016

I am thankful for Larry's time, and appreciative of his energy.

Somewhere, perhaps he will always do his morning sketches to see what appears on the paper, and paint abstracts with interesting progressions, pattern, and hues, painted in almost three dimensions.

...with Edward Dougmore, Issac, and Kamair at his side.

February 17, 2016

Larry will be remembered as kind to all and a wonderful artist and teacher.

With deepest sympathy,

Tina Farrera (Donnelly)
Parkdale High School
English Department

February 17, 2016

With deepest sympathy from the original Parkdale family. Larry is remembered as being kind to all and a wonderful artist.

Tina Farrera (Donnelly)
Parkdale English Department

Lenah Beyrent

February 14, 2016

For dozens of smiles and words of encouragement, for flipping perspectives about and tricking horizons to play nice, for highlights refined and shadowy hues-
Thank you

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