Ralph R. Harding, Jr., 95 of Derry, NH died peacefully on Tuesday May 25, 2021 in High Pointe Hospice in Haverhill, MA. Ralph was born in Haverhill on March 29, 1926, a son of the late Ralph R. Harding, Sr. born in England and Louise (Cannon) Harding.
He was educated in Haverhill and graduated from Haverhill High School in 1943. He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1943- 1951, having served during WWII and the Korean Conflict. Ralph’s service included Operation Highjump, the historic exploration of Antarctica organized by Admiral Byrd.
He retired from NE Telephone after 35 years of service. Ralph liked to buy and sell antiques and enjoyed many winters as a “snow bird” at his condo in Florida. In recent years he spent many a day playing scrabble, 45’s, and cribbage with his children.
He is survived by one son, Ralph R. Harding III and his wife Julie of Haverhill, two daughters, Jean Harding of Haverhill, and Susan Welch and her husband Fred of Seabrook, NH, five step-children, Bruce Gaudette and his wife Lori of Derry, Bonnie DiBenedetto and her husband Paul of Derry, Linda Arias of Santa Clarita, CA, Cheryl Watson and her husband Gary of Londonderry, NH, and Diane Curro and her husband Frank of N. Andover, MA, 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, son-in-law, Donald Miller, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Paula (Gaudette) Harding, by his eldest daughter, Carol Miller, his grandson, Ben Miller, and by his sisters, Yvonne Flagg and Natalie Dykes.
Funeral services and burial will be held privately. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry is handling the arrangements.