BARRE TOWN - A kind and decent gentleman passed away on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin. Donald Harding was born on March 10, 1928, in Bronx, New York, the son of the late George and Anna (Farmer) Harding. After graduating from St. Simon Stock Catholic School, he enrolled at Hunter College in New York, graduating in 1959. There he met his future wife, Edith, at the Newman Club, a group for Catholic students on secular campuses. They were married on Aug. 10, 1957, in Rosedale, New York. They moved to Barre in 1969. They were the proud parents of six children: Terry Pothier, of Martha's Vineyard; Donald William, of Barnstable, Massachusetts; Charles Peter, of Barre, Vermont; Maryanne O'Connor, of Luray, Virginia; Elizabeth Costantini, of Tampa, Florida; and Timothy Justin, of Bozeman, Montana. He had 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers George, William and Kenneth, and one sister, Rita. Don worked for the U.S. Treasury Department. With their camper, they had many family adventures, including a cross-country trip. After his retirement, they had time to travel abroad visiting London, Paris, Rome, Dublin, and historic places in the United States. For 25 years, they were members of the Capitol Couples Square Dance Club. They also completed the town visits for the 251 Club. He was always an active member of the community, receiving the Barre Area Community Service Recognition Award in 2001. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus. Don served as treasurer and many chairmanships, including Keep Christ in Christmas. He was treasurer of the Washington Right to Life Committee, 20-year tax-aide for the AARP, member of the Senior Corps of Retired Executives, outreach driver for the Aldrich Public Library, board member of the Council on Aging, usher and food-shelf helper at St. Monica Catholic Church, longtime volunteer at the Berlin Rehab and member of the Barre Opera House usher corps. In his children's younger years, he was a baseball and soccer coach and cheered on their many field hockey, track and ice hockey games. A Mass of Christian burial and celebration of life will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, at 10 a.m. in St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre. Family and friends may call at the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home in Barre on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. Extra parking is available in St. Monica Parking Lot. Burial will follow the Mass, in the Elmwood Cemetery in Barre. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to St. Monica and St. Michael School, 79 Summer St., Barre, VT 05641; or to the Barre Washington County Right to Life, P.O. Box 1079, Montpelier, VT 05602; or to the Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington St., Barre, VT 05641. May God love and welcome him. Arrangements are in the care of the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St., Barre. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com.