Milton Washington Harding

Milton Washington Harding
Sunrise: May 26, 1954
Sunset: February 12, 2026 | Age 71
Milton Washington Harding, 71, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Milton's life was defined by resilience, love of family, and deep pride in his heritage. Known to many as "Milo or Bird."
Born in Guyana, South America, Milton immigrated to the United States in 1993 with his family in pursuit of new opportunities. Though grateful for the life he built in America, he never forgot where he came from. His Guyanese culture was central to who he was. He proudly shared his love for Guyana through listening to cricket, keeping up with Guyanese news, cooking traditional dishes such as curry and his famous pot bake, and traveling often to his homeland. His lifelong friendships and connections, both in the United States and abroad, brought him immense fulfillment.
Milton worked as a machine operator at Alphapointe in Queens, New York, serving the blind community with dedication and pride until 2018. Though visually impaired, Milton's determination and independence were remarkable. His observation and awareness were always sharp, and he confidently navigated from Brooklyn to Upstate New York and beyond. He never allowed his disability to define or limit him.
He found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Milton was an avid lottery enthusiast who faithfully played Pick 4, Powerball, and Mega Millions. He loved celebrating birthdays and never missed the opportunity to call his loved ones with warm wishes. His optimism and zest for life were contagious.
Above all, Milton cherished his family. He was predeceased by his father, Cedric Harding; his mother, Josephine Lagadoo; and his beloved grandson, Miles McCarthy.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Merle Harding; his children, Juanita Mukades (Mohammed), Melissa McCarthy (Owen), and Milton Harding Jr. (Marissa); and his eleven cherished grandchildren: Owen, Mason, Grayson, Tegan, Cemal, Xavier, Briella, Maxwell, Maddox, Linora, and Vivian. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, creating countless treasured memories and visiting them in Upstate New York whenever he could.
Milton is also survived by his siblings: brothers Ashton Moore (Evelyn); Hubert Sinclair (Stephaney); and sisters Stella Greenige; Desiree Davis (Walter) along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and especially cherished relatives in Canada, where he loved visiting and participating in family gatherings.
Milton lived by the wisdom his Aunt Mimi taught him: "Only bottle don't grow." He believed in continuing to grow, love, and embrace life fully - with sight or without - because otherwise, you may miss the most important things.
Funeral services will be held at Calvary's Love Church 1315 Reynolds Road, Johnson City, New York. Viewing will begin at 11:00AM on Thursday 02/19/2026 with services to follow at 12:30pm. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Riverhurst Cemetery 2500 E. Main St. Endwell NY. A celebration of life will be commenced at The Polish Community Center in Binghamton NY starting at 3:00PM.
Milton's love, strength, and optimism live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.