LARRY HARDEN

HARDEN LARRY HARDEN (Age 69) Of Davenport, CA, formerly of the Washington, DC, area, died on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare and incurable lung disease. Born April 30, 1946 in Frostburg, MD, Larry was the son of the late James Bernard and Mabel (Minick) Harden. He was also preceded in death by his brother, J. William Harden and brother-in-law, James Hinkle. Larry grew up in Frostburg and was a graduate of Frostburg State College. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1979 from the prestigious Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. A beloved arts educator for nearly 40 years, Larry taught at Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC, and Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, CA. For nearly 30 years, Larry was among a core group of educators at the Maryland Center for the Arts, a summer arts program for Maryland high school and middle school students at St. Joseph College in Emmitsburg and later at Goucher College in Towson. Larry had profound influence on generations of students and colleagues alike, expanding their views on what art is, encouraging them to think critically, and mentoring them to boldly experience art and explore the artistic process without boundaries. An Abstract Expressionist painter, photographer and sketch artist, Larry''s art is featured in galleries in California and the Washington, DC, area. Larry''s passion for art was infectious, and he devoted his life to elevating those around him to a deeper connection with art, nature and humanity. He is survived by his devoted wife, Frances Politeo; daughter, Rachelle Bowman and husband, Lindy; son, Timothy Harden and wife, Christine; grandchildren, Elisabeth, Madeline and Elijah Bowman; brother, Robert Harden and wife, Judy; sister, Betty Hinkle; sister-in-law, Colleen Harden; nephews, William and Robert Harden; nieces, Julie Snyder, Karen Bertaux, Mary Beth Grove and Rebecca Hinkle; and many great-nieces and nephews. 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; his mission was to elevate the dignity of everyone with whom he came in contact. Larry truly lived his spiritual beliefs, one day at a time. A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 44 East Main Street, Frostburg, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to causes that celebrate Larry''s compassionate spirit, specifically the Santa Cruz County Homeless Services Center (http://www.santacruzhsc.org) and the Native Animal Rescue: (http://www.nativeanimalrescue.org)