Donald E. Harding

Donald E. Harding, 83, of Wyomissing, formerly of Downingtown, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 5:15 am at Reading Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Nancy J. (Stuebner) Harding. Married for 60 years, the two had a deep, abiding love. It was easy to spot, whether in the simple moments, like when he’d order fries and quietly pick out and share the extra crispy ones he knew Nancy loved, or, in later years, as he proudly explained that she was his “Superwoman,” taking care of him and just about everything that he no longer could.

Born November 6, 1942 in Reinholds, Don was the son of the late Ralph and Minnie (Heister) Harding. He worked hard for his master’s degree and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. It was an experience that profoundly changed him, inspiring in him a drive to learn about and understand different peoples, cultures and worldviews.

He carried that curiosity with him his entire life. He always cared deeply about the world and justice for everyone and instilled a deep sense of fairness, kindness and understanding in his children.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by his daughter, Kristen J. Donlan, wife of Michael Celey of Florida; son Curtis E. Harding, partner of Matthew J. Held of New Jersey, and his grandchildren, Jordan Donlan and Taylor Celey. He would do anything to help his family and make sure they were cared for and happy. And he absolutely adored his granddaughters, which is probably why the hardest thing for him to say to them was “No.”

He is also survived by his loving siblings, Richard Harding, husband of Antoinette Harding of Fritztown; Ruth Hassler, wife of Lynwood Hassler of Denver, PA; Rickey Harding, husband of Brenda Harding of Manheim and was preceded in death by Shirley Martin.

Don loved music, constantly finding new bands, new groups and new songs to fall in love with, right up until the very end. And he lived and breathed his Pennsylvania sports, none more so than Penn State football and the Philadelphia Phillies. In fact, baseball was a constant throughout his entire life.

He collected baseball cards and memorabilia from a young age and some of his most cherished childhood memories are playing baseball with his brother and neighborhood buddies. From coaching his daughter’s softball team and taking his son to games with his friends as an adult, Don never wavered in his love of the game or in sharing it with those he loved.

Professionally, Don was an electrical engineer through and through, employed by Unisys until his retirement. At home, he could repair just about anything, and if he didn’t know how to do it at first, he made sure to learn. He never tackled anything without a plan or a schedule, though he had long ago resigned himself to the fact that his family… may not have always followed suit.

Don was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements, and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a charity of your choice.