Philip Joseph Harding

Phil was born in Scranton, PA, and was raised in Susquehanna, PA, predeceased by his parents Peter and Margaret (Maloney) and beloved brother Kenneth Harding. He is survived by his partner Mary Anne Beam, son Thomas (Carolyn), daughters Kelly (David) and Marijude (Dan), grandchildren Patrick (Carly), Katie (Florian), Emily and Jonathan, and great grandson, Evan, and Mary Anne’s children Kelly (Ricky), Elaina and Michael (Hilary).

Phil was an outstanding basketball player, heavily recruited and a scholarship athlete at St. Louis University, was soft spoken and easy going except for expressing his love of sports and political opinions. He worked 30 years for the D & H Railroad and then enjoyed another 30+ years in retirement, spending summers in Binghamton, New York, and winters in Florida where he and Mary Anne walked the beach daily, spent time with friends, traveled, and attended Miami Heat basketball games as often as possible. Phil frequently reminded us of the warm and sun-filled winter weather in Florida while many family members were braving the harsh Midwest or Northeast winters. He greatly enjoyed visits from family and was a wonderful and generous host. He also enjoyed his many trips to Chicago including a special visit in August for his granddaughter’s wedding and other family gatherings. He was a kind and thoughtful man with a good sense of humor who was fun to be around, yet always there to lend a helpful hand when needed. He will be dearly missed and remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of The Apostles Church, 715 Hawthorne Street, Avoca, PA. on Friday June 2, 2023, at 10am with Rev. Phillip Sladicka officiating.

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Avoca, Pa.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeerdeerfieldbeach.com for the Harding family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice in Phil’s honor.