Obituary of Wayne M. Harding

Wayne M. Harding, 86, of Glastonbury, CT and Hebron, NH, beloved husband of Barbara L. Harding for 60 years, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 24. Born June 7, 1938 in DuBois, PA, son of the late S. Ray and Rachael Harding, he lived in Glastonbury for the past 47 years and shared his time in Hebron, NH for the past 25 years. 

After graduation from high school in New Jersey, he graduated from Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts in 1958. He worked as a Foreman for Asplundh Tree Expert Company before joining the US Navy Submarine Service in 1961. After graduating from Sub School in Groton, CT, he served in the USS Segundo SS398, a diesel-electric powered submarine, and traveled to various countries including Australia, China, Russia, Korea, Philippine Islands and many islands in the South Pacific. He graduated from the US Navy's Nuclear Power School and served in the USS Ulysses S. Grant SSBN631, a Nuclear Powered Submarine, making various deterrent patrols during the Cold War in the Pacific while operating from Guam. He was then attached to the Fast Attack USS Sargo SSN 583 in Pearl Harbor, and was honorably discharged in 1967. While in the Navy, he married Barbara L. Van Der Beek of Old Tappan, NJ in 1964; a friend, neighbor, and love of his life who joined him in Hawaii and taught school during the years they lived there. 

Besides his wife, Wayne is survived by their three sons, their wives, and six wonderful grandchildren. Sons and daughters-in-law are Don Harding (Katharine) of New York City, Dave Harding (Judy) of Glastonbury, CT., and Dan Harding (Nicole) of Narragansett, RI. Grandchildren: Reece, Brooke, Molly, Matt, Myles, and Graham Harding. He is also survived by his brother Sam Harding and wife Deborah of Clemson, SC., as well as three brothers-in law and their wives: Bill Van Der Beek (Marcia) of Okatie, SC, Jim Van Der Beek of Oxford, CT, Dave Van Der Beek (Diana) of Okatie, SC, cousins, 15 nieces and nephews, as well as many friends. He was predeceased by two sisters-in-law: Karen Van Der Beek and Melinda Van Der Beek. 

Following his Navy service, he worked for Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company for 32 years, and attained the title of Assistant Chief Engineer. He retired in 1999. During his HSB career, he, his wife Barbara, and family lived in the states of Washington, Oregon, California, and Missouri, prior to settling in Glastonbury, CT, and working in the Hartford Home Office Engineering Department. Wayne was active with his wife Barbara in the churches they attended, was a member of the Shriners, and a 32nd Degree Mason for the past 53 years. He received various awards as a member of the US Navy Rifle and Pistol team in Pearl Harbor, was a Life Time Member of the Groton, CT Base Submarine Veterans' Club, Submarine Force Holland Club, and a full member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 

He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing the waters in Oregon. He loved spending time with his family camping, and cherished the times he and his wife would sail on the lake and travel throughout the U.S. and Europe. 

Wayne lived a good life. His family and friends remember him as a happy, welcoming, caring, and kind person with an enjoyable sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. He will always be in our hearts. 

Calling hours for family and friends will be Friday, November 15, from 2 to 4 P.M. at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron, Ave. A Memorial Service to celebrate Wayne's life, will be held Saturday, November 16 at 11:30 A.M. at First Church of Christ, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Wayne's memory may be made to Shriners Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or Union Masonic Lodge #79, Secretary, Russ Vaiden, 27 Main Street, Bristol, NH 03222.