William Larry Harding

It is with deep and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Larry Harding, who journeyed from this earthly world to the home of our heavenly Father on February 10, 2026, after a lengthy struggle with heart failure, diabetes and liver cancer. Born on November 20, 1940, in Spring Township, Pennsylvania, Bill was the son of the late Arthur E. Harding and Florence M. (Meckley) Harding. For 58 wonderful years, Bill was married to Nancy L. Harding, who recently passed on December 10, 2025; he missed his soulmate terribly.

Bill was a graduate of Wilson High School Class of 1958, where he played the trombone in the band. Growing up in Fritztown, Bill had many friends and loved to tell stories of his childhood adventures. Bowling with his Fritztown buddies held a special place in his heart. After he graduated from high school, Bill worked at Narrow Fabric for a few years and that is where he met his soulmate, Nancy. After they married, Bill took a job with Cartech, where he worked for 27 years as a slitter helper and degreasing machine operator. Unfortunately, his health issues began to plague him, and he needed to take an early retirement.

As a youngster, Bill attended the Olive Leaf Chapel in Fritztown with his family. The Chapel was a place near and dear to his heart; many memories and stories were shared. The Harding family then transferred to St. John’s (Hain’s) Church in Wernersville, where Bill was a member. Bill loved God and the Church. He and Nancy attended services regularly until health issues created challenges for them. However, they found a way to be there most recently for Lenten services in 2025.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Stacy L. Miller of Wernersville, Pa. and a stepson Scott F. Schollenberger Sr. of Robesonia, Pa. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Aaron and Norene Miller and Scott F. Schollenberger Jr. William was predeceased by his son, Dennis V. Harding, sister, Doris E. Mathews and his two great grandchildren Maxwell and Cameron Schollenberger.

An animal lover with a huge heart, Bill owned many cats over the years. He opened his home to a few of the local strays, which became quite a menagerie of cats and each one held a special place in his heart. After Nancy passed, the latest stray provided comfort and companionship for him.

Bill loved to be outdoors and in the warm weather, he would plant numerous flowers and tend to them. Trains were another passion for Bill; he collected many and would spend time counting the train cars as the trains passed by his house. 

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff on C1 at Reading Hospital for taking care of Bill in his final days and Tower Health Hospice for the compassionate work that they do for patients and their families. Stacy would like to personally express a huge thank you to Dr. John Serrian for all that he did to care for her dad over the years.

As we remember and celebrate Bill, may we reflect on what a kind-hearted person he was and remember the stories that he shared about his family, friends and life adventures. He taught us the meaning of hard work, love, family devotion, strength, courage, humor and keeping memories alive. “Dad, the memories and stories that you have shared will always be with us; we’ll keep them going. You will forever be in our hearts.”

Donations in memory of Bill can be made to Animal Rescue League of Berks County, 58 Kennel Rd, Birdsboro, Pa 19508 or St. John’s (Hain’s) Church, 591 N. Church Rd. Wernersville, Pa 19565. A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

Bean Funeral Homes Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.