Fred E. Harding Sr.

1919 - 06

Fred E. Harding Sr., 93, of Sarver, an activist for Senior Citizens Rights, died Thursday, July 19, 2012, at Butler Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Mr. Harding was born June 23, 1919, in Wampum, to late Jonathan and Maude Solsberg Harding. He graduated from New Castle Senior High School in 1937. He then attended the former Youngstown College. He was a World War II veteran in which he enlisted in the Army in 1941 and joined the 509th Parachute Infantry Division. He fought in the European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign as a staff sergeant, being wounded twice. Fred retired from Chubb Colonial Life as a regional manager and vice president of training in 1981. In retirement, Fred was generous of his time. He was Regional Volunteer Coordinator with AARP, an activist for Grandparents rights through AARP, he was a founding member of McGill Community Center and labored endless hours creating the many rooms used in the center today. He was also an active volunteer and past president for Habitat for Humanity, Clen-Moore Prime Timers and Sandy Lake Water Ski Club, and a board member and advisor for the Department of Aging. He was also a life member of Castlewood Rod and Gun Club and a 32nd Degree Mason, member and past Master of Lodge of the Craft Westminster, a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of New Castle and Valley of New Castle Legion of Honor. He received a Congressional Commendation honoring his volunteerism. The American flag was flown over the state capital as a tribute to his 90th birthday. In addition to volunteering, he enjoyed gardening, painting, golfing at Castle Hills Golf Course, hunting, fishing and spending precious time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he cherished. Fred was a life member of Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church, New Castle, where he was an Elder, Deacon and served on many committees. He also attended Center United Methodist Church, Natrona Heights. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Harriet M. Frazier Harding, whom he married Oct. 24, 1945. His is survived by his second wife, Margorie Bachman Davis, whom he married Sept. 18, 2005. He is also survived by his six children, Jeanne A. Wellman, of Canfield, Ohio, Bonnie L. Gosner, of Monroeville, Fred E. Harding Jr. and his wife, Michele, of Ellwood City, Richard B. Harding and his wife, Fran, of Peachtree City, Ga., Merrianne H. McGill and husband, Gib, of Volant, and Judie L. Harding, of New Castle. He is also survived by a stepson, Jeffrey R. Davis, his wife Bonnie, and his family, of Cranberry Township; and by his 10 grandchildren, Renee A. Grove, Elizabeth T. Wellman-Hartwig, John P. Gosner Jr., Diana L. Taylor, Katherine Wellman Garrett, Stephen P. Gosner, Annastacia (Staci) Hanssen, Christina M. Harding, Alaina M. Harding and Emilie A. McGill. In addition to his grandchildren, he is survived by his 11 great-grandchildren, Derek, Kayla, Colin, Braeden, Logan, Brianna, Sarah, Lauren, Alexxia, William and Nicholas. He is also survived by three nephews, James Ross, Eugene Ross and David Harding Sr. In addition to his beloved wife, he was preceded in death by his five sisters, Violet Virginia (Sarah) Kirkwood, Helen N. (Dutchie) Harding, Eva Marie (Marie) Ross, June A. Palus and Wilda V. Gross; two brothers, Richard J. Harding and Herbert D. Harding; two sons-in-law, John P. Gosner Sr. and Thomas P. Wellman; and a stepdaughter-in-law, Valerie Davis. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the R. CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, and also from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church, 220 Clen-Moore Blvd., New Castle. A Masonic service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A service will be at the church at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. Dr. Velis Vais. Full military rites will be conducted by the New Castle Area Honor Guard. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, New Castle. The obituary may be viewed and online condolences offered at