George Kenneth Alexander Harding, Jr.

George Kenneth Alexander Harding, Jr., 90, longtime resident of West Chester, PA, passed away Monday October 7, 2024 at his home in Ocean City, NJ. 

He was the husband of the late Barbara M. Stocker Harding.

Born September 11, 1934 in Akron, OH he was the son of the late George Kenneth Harding and the late Esther K. Harding.

Ken, to his friends, (or “Sonny,” to his parents,) grew up outside of Akron, Ohio and graduated from Norton High School, where he was a standout first baseman on the baseball team. He went on to graduate from Miami University of Ohio, as part of the NROTC program, where he graduated with a B.S. In Mathematics and Naval Sciences. He began his Naval service in flight school, but chose to complete his military service as a Lieutenant on the U.S.S. Galveston, where he served as the Electrical Officer.

After his service commitment, he went to work in the family business of Associated Products until its sale. In 1962, he moved his family to West Chester, PA, where he began a long career with Lasko Metal Products, rising to the position of Chief Engineer. Following his years at Lasko, he went on to work for West Pharmaceutical, Ball Unimark, Wheaton Glass, and Fibre Metal.

Ken was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, Rotary International, and the Society of Plastics Engineers. In addition, he served on the board, and as president, of Roslyn Swim Club. He was also a member at the West Chester Golf and Country Club, and the Bucknell Golf Club.

Throughout his life he enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and ping pong. He continued his love of flying well into his sixties. In his youth, he memorized many poems by some of his favorite poets, including Robert Frost, Rudyard Kipling, and James Whitcomb Riley. He would excitedly begin reciting these at any opportune time.

He is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Susan) Harding, Jennifer (Marc) Masino, Brian (Dawn) Harding, He had seven grandsons: Christopher, Brandon, Steven, Drew, Max, Alexander, and Jake, one granddaughter: Maren; and two great-granddaughters: Eleanor and Marlo. Ken was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn.

He found love again, and was preceded in death, by his longtime companion, Barbara Dever. He was an important and beloved part of her family, sharing in the lives of her children and grandchildren during their thirty years together.

Relatives and friends are invited to services and interment, which will be at 11:00 A.M. on October 19, 2024, at Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery West Chester PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Methodist Children's Center. 

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com