Capt. David V. Harding ’49

David (Dave) Harding passed away on July 6, 2022, at the age of 93 in Naples, Florida. Growing up in Westbrook Maine, Dave lived for many years in Massachusetts before retiring to Florida.

Being the son of a sea-captain, Dave developed a true appreciation for the sea that would continue be a large part of his life. After graduating from Philips Andover Academy, Dave attended Maine Maritime Academy and spent years in the Merchant Marines.

He returned to Boston to achieve his Master’s degree from Boston University before working for several shipping and trading companies. He established The Harding Company, a wire rope and rigging company, which still exists today as a successful subsidiary of ALP Industries.

Although he was a strong business leader, Dave balanced his life with local school committee work, church volunteering, and participating in several trade association advisory roles. He was a tennis player, a skier, and above all, an angler. He traveled the country in search of the perfect ‘catch,’ often accompanied by family and friends. After his official retirement, Dave continued to work as a fishing guide in the backwaters of the 10,000 islands in Florida.

Dave met his wife, Rosalie, while at BU and they were married in 1955, a marriage and friendship that lasted 67 years. They had three children together: Scott Harding  and his wife, Tina, (Massachusetts), Kim Harding-Maginnis (Virginia), and Steven Harding (New Hampshire). He is also a grandfather to Lindsey Maginnis and Kathryn Maginnis. He was a loving husband and parent who taught his children and grandchildren the importance of integrity and family. He often shared his life’s philosophy of having a purpose, having something to look forward to, and having people to share one’s life with.