Howard Harry Harding
December 30th 1940 – November 14, 2021
On November 14, 2021, Howard H. Harding, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 80.
Howard was born in New Brunswick, Canada in 1940 and spent his early years enjoying the outdoors especially at his grandparents (Harry Ruth Barter) cottage on East Grand Lake in Fosterville, New Brunswick. Along with his brother Richard, the family spent most of their summers fishing, swimming and causing a little harmless trouble with their friends.
When Howard was 17, his parents, Sidney and Irene Harding moved the family to Bridgeport, CT so Sidney could continue a career with Ford Motor. When finished with high school, Howard went on the Army where he honed his shooting skills and became one of the top marksmen in the nation. After the Army, Howard continued his education attending Bridgeport University for engineering and began working for Sikorski Aircraft in Stratford, CT. At an early age, Howard obtained his Masters in Engineering and it was surely noticed by Sikorsky and he was quickly promoted to Manufacturing Foreman working on government projects such as the Black Hawk and Sea Hawk helicopters. During that time, Howard also developed a Patent for a special type of Honeycomb insulation used for aircraft that is still seen in aircraft around the world including countries like Germany, Italy, China and England.
Howard married Donna Marie Santo, Daughter of Frank and Theodora Santo, on May 22, 1971 and lived in Southbury where they had 2 children, Brian and Stephen. Howard’s passion for the outdoors and trout fishing was evident and he built a large pond and stocked it with trout in the back yard. This gave Howard an idea and a vision for a business as he noticed a demand for trout. Howard and Donna eventually started and grew this commercial trout hatchery to the largest in the state of Connecticut. Brian eventually took over the business which is still successful to this day stocking ponds, rivers and streams.
Howard loved the outdoors and was always willing to lend a hand. He worked hard for his family which was always came first for him. Though the years, Howard spent his time gardening with Donna, hunting with his boys (especially Brian), waterskiing, snow skiing, boating, fishing and fine carpentry. Howard never missed a lobster dinner and quite often showed others how to eat them.
Howard is survived by his loving wife Donna, his son Brian, son Stephen and his wife Blake, two grandchildren Ashton and Brody.
Calling hours are Thursday November 18, 2021 from 4pm-7pm, at the Southbury Funeral Home, 235 Main St. Southbury, CT. A Church service will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 10am at Christ the Redeemer Church, 114 Roxbury Rd. Southbury, CT. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, Southbury, CT.
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