Thomas Washington Harding, Jr., 87, of New Tripoli, formerly of Kunkletown and Philadelphia, died suddenly Sunday, August 15, 2010 in the home of his son, David J. Harding with whom he was residing. He was the husband of the late Mary E. (Williams) Harding. Born in Richmond, Virginia, November 11, 1922, Thomas was the son of the late Thomas W. and Irene A. (Hall) Harding.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, 9 months, during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War with a rank of Boatswain's Mate First Class. After his years of active duty, Thomas became a civilian employee at the Aviation Supply Office (Naval Supply Depot) in Philadelphia where he was a rigger.

He served as Past Commander of V.F.W. Post # 5588, Gilbert, Past Eastern PA District Commander and Past Commander of American Legion Post 927, Gilbert. Thomas was a Boy Scout Master of the BSA in the Philadelphia area for many years.

Survivors: Children, Thomas W. Harding III and his wife, Linda, of Reidsville, North Carolina, David J. Harding and his wife, Connie, of New Tripoli, Janet M. Zimmerman and her husband, Thomas, of Bellmawr, New Jersey; grandchildren, Brian, Nicholas, Jeffrey, Carey, Jesse, Michael, Stephen, Christian, Kristen, David, Jr. and Eric; great grandchildren, Kyah, Domenick, Alayna, Joshua and Mckenzie.

Service: Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 19, 2010 in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville, with the Rev. Lawrence G. Lutz officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Sky-View Memorial Park, (Hometown) Tamaqua.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post # 927 and/or Fresenius Medical Care both in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.