Daniel R. Harding

Daniel R. Harding, 72, of Millers Mills, New York, died very unexpectedly on October 24, 2025, at Wynn Hospital, Utica, NY. He was surrounded by his wife and closest family members at the time of his passing.

Daniel was born in Minneapolis, MN, on March 7, 1953, to the late Ronald Harding and Lola (Trout) Harding.

Due to his father's career path, Daniel lived and was educated in several states throughout the country. As he later embarked on his own career in the management and inner workings of the manufacturing industry, Daniel was proud to have followed in his father's footsteps, and by the end of his career was well-traveled, including time in Japan working for Fuji Filters.

Daniel loved reading and was pleased to have read "a few thousand" books throughout his life. He also had an affinity for woodworking and could identify any tree species by looking at its grain pattern and running his hands over the surface of the board. Dan admired and followed the works and teachings of some of woodworking's greats, like Sam Maloof, James Krenov, and George Nakashima, and at the end of his life had built many wonderful pieces.
Daniel was a hardworking man and teasingly boasted that he "could run circles around the younger generation." For many years, he was able to dabble in hobby-farming, raising chickens, gardening, and also was an active participant in the catch/spay-neuter/release program for close to 300 hundred stray and abandoned kitties. For the last eight years, Daniel's heart was stolen by his canine companion, Finlay, whom he lovingly nicknamed "Mr. Wiggles."

Daniel loved God and singing the "old-time" hymns, his favorite being Great Is Thy Faithfulness. He spent countless hours each week, especially in the last few years of his life, reading through his Bible, which no doubt brought him great peace at the time of his passing. His favorite verse was Galations 2:20. Daniel was of the Protestant faith.
Earlier in life, Daniel married and had three daughters: Jennifer, Bridget, and Jessica, whom he loved with all his heart. In their earliest years, Daniel wrote each one their own bedtime story, which held great sentimental value to him.

Later on, Daniel met and married his "spitfire," Wendy (Perry) Harding, and for the next twenty-two years, journeyed through life with God being the center of their lives, home and marriage, which created and solidified a deep love and mutual respect for each other that, in the end, he was so happy and regularly expressed to have "finally found his home" in her.

Daniel's marriage to Wendy gifted him with an additional entire family, including her children: Janice and (Tony) Fuller, Ashley Barbato and companion (Michael Amond), and Peter and (Brenna) Perry; and grandchildren: JoAnna and (Aryn) Hensel, Madelyn Barbato, Ethan, Bennett, and Eliza Fuller, and Lakelyn and Jonah Perry; as well as sisters and brother-in-law: Deanna Perry, Jodi and (Scott) Colburn, and Bill Perry, and several nieces and nephews. All of these family members included Daniel, and claimed him as family. They all loved, respected, and were thankful for his presence. Daniel enjoyed being called "Papa" and "Grandpa." He had a special relationship with his late mother-in-law, "Mrs. Guildford," who in return, always addressed him as "Mr. Harding." Daniel's absence will be felt by every member of his "bonus family" forever. He was very loved by us all.
Daniel leaves his three daughters, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren from his previous marriage. Also left to mourn his passing are his mother, Lola Harding; sister Sandra Logan; and two brothers, Tague and James Harding, and their families. Daniel was predeceased by his father, Ronald Harding, and his mother-in-law, Janice Guildford.

In keeping with Daniel's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Conclusion will be at the discretion of his wife and family, and arrangements are with the John L. Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks, New York, whose advice and guidance were a source of calm on the day of the storm.

Our family would like to thank the staff of the intensive care unit at Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY, for the care and compassion shown to Daniel and his family. Their efforts were second to none.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Daniel's memory may be made to MISSIONARY PRESS, a cause that was dear to his heart. To send an online message of sympathy go to: www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com