Howard "Howie" M. Harding Jr.

Howard "Howie" M. Harding Jr., 79, of Freemansburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, February

11, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Dorothy “Dotti” (Hawk) Harding with whom she shared over 57 years of loving marriage. Born in Bethlehem, on April

25, 1944 he was the son of the late Howard Sr., and Helen (Duh) Harding. Following his graduation from Liberty High School in 1962, Howie honorably served his country in the Army National Guard. He then dedicated 35 years to his career at Sure Fit Inc., starting as a mechanic in the knitting department and eventually rising to the role of supervisor. His devotion to work was paralleled by his commitment to faith. Howie was a dedicated member, and custodian at Calvary Baptist Church in Bethlehem for over a decade and an active participant at Bethlehem First Church of the Nazarene. He instilled values and wisdom as a Sunday school teacher, engaged in Bible study, and offered his prayers in the men's weekly prayer group. Howie enjoyed strumming his guitar and taking camping trips. Still, his greatest pleasure was the time spent with his loved ones.

Howie is survived by an adoring family, including his wife, Dotti; daughter, Donna Barr; son, Howard Harding III (Tammy); grandchildren, Mackenzie Harding (fiancé Matt Garbarino), Jonah Harding (Michaelyn), Amber Montanez, and Paul Barr II; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Jade, Deonna, Carlee, Grace, Jasmine, Julieonna, and Lilly; sisters, Maggie Shiner (Morris), and Roseanne Heater. He was predeceased by daughter, Deborah and granddaughter, Heather Barr.

Services: A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 where the family will receive relatives and friends from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Memorial Park. A memory tribute may be placed at www. cantelmifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Howie's memory to the American

Heart Association or to the American Cancer Association.