Theodore E. “Ted” “Gene” Harding, 85, of Ocean View, Del., passed away June 30, 2016. He was born Dec. 31, 1930, in Washington, D.C., and grew up with his seven siblings in Georgetown and Southeast D.C.
Harding was active in the SE Police Boys Clubs, was a Golden Gloves champ and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Harding and his wife, Betty, loved to dance, and were seen at many of the local dances around the D.C. area in their youth.
Harding worked in the car business as a salesman, manager and wholesaler for more than 40 years. He enjoyed his time with the VFW in Ocean View and served as junior vice commander. He participated by honoring local vets in various ceremonies and helped their fundraising efforts by working at the VFW Chicken Shack. He loved his grandchildren (all boys), and they loved their “Pop-Pop.”
Harding was preceded in death by his siblings Bernice, Francis, Thomas, Gerald, Jane and Stanley. He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Gerianne Moreland, Theo Harding and his wife, Valerie, and Julie Baldi and her husband, Eduardo; grandchildren, Nicholas Moreland, Maxwell Harding, Harrison Harding, Giacomo Baldi and Dario Baldi; and his brother Robert.
A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Bethany Beach, Del., with visitation at 10:30 a.m. A funeral with military honors is at 1 p.m. at Delaware Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.