Arthur E. Harding, Jr.

WINCHENDON - Arthur E. Harding, Jr., 80, of 166 Gardner Road, Winchendon, died Sunday, August 22nd in UMASS Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester. He was born in Melrose on January 21, 1930, the son of the late Arthur E. and Gladys E. (Hoag) Harding and had lived in Winchendon since 1993. Arthur had resided in Wakefield many years ago and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1947. He attended Northeastern University earning an Associate's Degree in Civil Engineering and took numerous courses in Business Administration and liberal arts. Arthur enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Army of Occupation in the Far East and in the Korean War. Discharged in 1953 as a Sergeant First Class, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and served continuously, including numerous active duty tours until his retirement in 1990 as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW4), after proudly serving over 42 years. Arthur was employed as a Registered Professional Land Surveyor and Civil Engineer for several cartographical and engineering consultants throughout New England. He was also employed as a Municipal Engineer and and/or Public Works Administrator in four communities in Massachusetts and Maine until his retirement. He leaves his wife, Beatrice M. (Fisk) Mellett-Harding; a daughter, Laurel B. Harding of Boston; a son, Edward A. Harding of Grey, ME and two stepsons, Michael P. Mellett of Winter Park, FL and Shawn F. Mellett of Gardner. Military funeral services will be held Friday, September 3rd at 2 P.M. in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon. There are no calling hours. Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements. www.stone-ladeau.com