Obituary of Leon G. Harding
Leon G Harding, retired Town of Thompson Highway Superintendent, died at home in the early morning hours with his loving wife and the family's beloved cats at his side.
He was the youngest son of the late Marion Evelyn Harding (nee Hill) and the late Sidney Edgar Harding. Lee was born in Monticello, N.Y. and when he was nine years old the family moved to Rock Hill. He attended the Monticello School District, the Rock Hill one room school then continued on in Monticello.
From March 1953 – March 1955 Lee served his Country during the Korean War. He was in the Army Corps of Engineers 97th Battalion in Verdun France rebuilding roads destroyed by the bombings during World War II. After his discharge from the Army he was in the reserves for six years.
On October 25, 1958, he and Janice Case were married at St. John's Episcopal Church in Monticello. How swiftly the more than sixty-one years have flown by.
Starting in July 1959 Lee began working for the Village of Monticello Highway Department as a grader operator for eighteen years; then Foreman and eventually Superintendent. After his time there, he then sought employment in the Town of Thompson Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator. He worked in that capacity for eleven years before being appointed to the position of Highway Superintendent for a one-year term. In order to keep the Superintendent position, he had to run for office that November and every four years thereafter, always with at least one opponent. Leon was Superintendent for thirteen years before retiring on December 31, 2001. He always maintained he was a Superintendent for the Town of Thompson Highway Department, but never a politician.
Leon was a 62-year member of the Rock Hill Fire Department but was inactive for a number of years. He was Assistant Chief and then Chief from 1969 to 1973. As an active fireman he was an Engineer for most of the time, and then a Commissioner until a breach of decency terminated his service.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother, Hobart Harding and his sister, Helen Harding Meddaugh.
Leon is survived by his wife; a son Scott and his wife Beverly; a daughter Kelley and her husband Richard; a grandson, Christopher; and a granddaughter, Madison. Lee loved and enjoyed his children and grandchildren. He certainly drove many miles to be part of their active lives and accomplishments. When his grandchildren were young, they spent summers in Rock Hill taking swimming, sailing, kayaking lessons and exploring the Hudson Valley, NYC and other wonders of NYS.
Other survivors include four nephews and two nieces: Hobart, Mark, Neil and Raymond Meddaugh, Barbara Meddaugh Cavello and Audrey Meddaugh Calhoun. He is also survived by great nephews and nieces, great great nieces and a great great nephew, a nephew in law, a great niece in law and two sisters in law, Fredericka Harding and Karen Case.
Leon's hobby for 55 years included keeping the old “Gloria Cottage” in repair. Maintaining the grounds, making a pond with sides lined with his “quarry” split stones from the property and a small fish pond with rocks also “harvested” from the property. His well-used John Deere is testimony to all his rock collecting endeavors. Leon loved the outdoors; he enjoyed the visiting birds and wild animals: it was his piece of heaven on earth. Even after vacationing he was always happy to be home.
A graveside service with Military Honors was held for the immediate family.
Since Lee's family also included only rescue animals, if you wish to make a donation or a donation of time in his memory please consider any safe “haven” for animals in need.
Arrangements were entrusted to the VanInwegen Kenny Funeral Home in Monticello, New York. Joe Kenny and his staff were most professional and compassionate for which our family will be forever grateful. To send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com