John Cyril Harding, Jr.

I was so sorry to hear about John. I will always have memories of a great guy. I am sorry I cannot be with you to celebrate his life but you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

John was the best of big brothers. I think he was born with the kind-hearted gene. He was forever generous. Whatever was his was yours. He would pull out a chair at his table as an invitation to eat, direct you to a bed if you were tired, or listen to your troubles with concern and compassion if you needed a listening heart. Our children just loved visiting John and Arline‘s house. That is where the family fun would begin along with the special cousins, the Harding boys! They will forever cherish those memories.

John was extremely smart, loved a good challenge, and was always trying to figure out how things worked, even if it meant taking the thing apart. Forever the engineer, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. At around thirteen his curiosity led him to wire our childhood home with his own version of sound, electricity, and communications.

He always loved music whether it was leading a family sing-along, playing his violin in the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, or singing in the church choir. His most loved and cherished role in life, however, was being a husband, dad, and grandfather, son and brother. Yes, he was devoted to all the loves of his life, as they were to him. Yes that’s brother John, a loving, caring, very, very special man. He will remain in our hearts forever.

We miss you so much, John. Now Mom, Dad, and Mary Pat hold you in their arms.

Mary Anne Harding Richards, Dennis Richards and family

Last time I saw John I was a young boy. My mother,Catherine (Harding),was John Cyril,sr.'s sister. We used to visit and I remember John as being very polite,kind and fun to be around. Great Family! To John's family,my sincere condolences. My prayers will be for him and his loved ones.

John was one of the finest and most personable engineers I have ever worked with. His talent was widely recognized and praise well deserved.