George F. (Jr.) Harding

George F. Harding passed away in company of his loving family on March 25, 2025.

George grew up in Connecticut the eldest of six, and from a young age showed an aptitude for sharing knowledge and showing leadership. He graduated from Notre Dame High School where he was president of the Junior Optimist club, sergeant-at-arms of the CYO, a bass voice in the Glee club, backstroke member of the swim team, and active in the Young Christian society. He received a full four-year scholarship at Villanova University through the ROTC program. He attended Villanova University where he made Dean’s List in his first semester and graduated with a mechanical engineering degree, and lifelong friends.

He served admirably in the United States Navy as a weapons officer on the USS Clamagore and the USS Bone Fish doing tours out of Groton near his hometown as well as home away from home for the Hardings, Hawaii. Upon leaving the Navy, he moved to California to pursue opportunities in business selling vacuum pumps. Through these early years, he also met the love of his life, Ms. Rita Harding (formerly Dwyer) – and they raised three sons together. While in California, George pursued opportunities in business – starting his own company and achieving a M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. He also was active coaching Little League and taking regular family trips on the holidays to visit his brothers and sisters and keep their growing families together despite being on different coasts. He started a tradition of his home always being open to family announced or unannounced that remains today. In the late 1980s, George took a new job with Leybold, and moved his family to Murrysville, PA and set roots there. George became a pillar of the community contributing time eventually as a member of the Franklin Regional school board and always volunteering with the local baseball community both as an avid umpire and engaged contributor in the development and maintenance of new fields or parks. It’s no surprise he fostered a strong sense of civic duty that continues in his children and grandchildren. He was always ready with a story, an opinion, or a joke whether wanted or not (another Harding family tradition that continues) – and more importantly loved to be with family and friends just sharing good times. And he was always there with an open house during the bad times.

He is survived by his two brothers and three sisters: David and Michael Harding; and Susan Wallace, Karen Timmons, and Martha Wilkinson. He leaves behind his loving wife, Rita M. Harding; and their three sons Patrick, Christopher, and Vincent Harding and their families. Patrick and Julie and grandchildren Grant and Ellie. Christopher and Emily and grandchildren Emerson and Audrey. Vincent and Leah and grandchildren Jameson, Brighton, Gracie and Penny.

Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Hart Funeral Home, Inc. A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2025, at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Please meet directly at church. Burial at sea will be private. Donations can be made to the local AmVets (Post 85). For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.

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