Richard Holman Harding, age 70, of Bryn Mar PA, passed away on September 28, 2025. Born in Stuttgart, Germany, he was the beloved child of Theordore Holman Harding and Elaine Ruth Harding Sr. Richard was one of nine children. He attended St. Memorial Baptist Church in Bryn Mar, PA, and attended Germantown High School in Philadelphia. He resided in the Germantown area for most of his early years. Upon leaving high school, Richard joined his father in the business of transporting goods for the U.S. military. He worked hard while pursuing other creative interests.

As teenagers, Richard and his brother Mark frequented live shows at the Uptown Theatre which sparked Richard’s interest in playing guitar. His talent led him to perform as a guitarist for the prominent recording group Breakwater during the 1980s. Richard embarked on an extensive touring schedule with Breakwater and achieved notable success over his thirty-year tenure in the music industry.

Richard also developed a passion for cooking that ultimately resulted in a twenty-year career as a chef. Richard’s interest in the culinary arts was evident in his ability to articulate the science of spice mixing that defined his specialty dishes. Richard had an exceptional ability to combine spices and oils, which produced dishes highly regarded by those who sampled them. The tools that defined Richard's diverse life interests and expertise were mainly his two guitars, a meat smoker and his gas grill.

Within his community, Richard was considered a kind individual and regarded as a neighborhood friend. Although reserved and private by nature, Richard loved to entertain. His well-attended backyard barbeques summoned family and friends that brought laughter into the summer evenings. These events reflected Richard's inclusive approach to life, where anyone felt welcome without the need for a special invitation.

From an early age, Richard displayed a deep affection for animals, with a particular fondness for cats. Those close to him were familiar with Mischief and Precious, his cherished fur babies. Richard shared a unique bond with Precious, who showed exceptional trust in him—so much that she chose to give birth to three kittens in his lap, allowing only Richard near her newborns. This special relationship highlighted Richard’s gentle nature, and his ability to provide comfort and security for the animals in his life.

On June 17, 2000, Richard married Valerie L. Moses after a twelve-year courtship. The couple was married for twenty-five years and lived in Bryn Mar, PA throughout their marriage. Richard was consistently dedicated to Valerie during their life together. They enjoyed hosting gatherings, preparing meals for family and friends, taking walks, listening to music, exchanging poetry, and regularly scheduled date nights. Among their preferred outings was Dinner on The River in Philadelphia, which became a favorite recurring choice for dates.

Richard Holman Harding is predeceased by these immediate family members: Ricardo Holman Harding (Richard’s twin brother), Leonard Holman Harding (brother), Theodore Holman Harding Jr. (brother), Diane Gibbs (sister), Elaine Ruth Harding Sr. (Mother), Theodore Holman Harding (Father).

Richard is survived by his wife, Valerie L. Harding; his siblings Mark Harding, Elaine Ruth Harding, Jr., Gregory T. Harding, and Ann Marie Crump; one brother-in-law, Gino Crump; one surviving aunt, Gloria Veney; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be remembered with great respect and fondness by all who know him.

In loving memory and sorrowfully submitted,

The Family.

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