Harry Hardingham

Born on January 2, 1915, Harry Hardingham, Jr. passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2012 in Roseville California. He had just celebrated his 97th birthday. Harry was the son of Nora (Fairall) and Harry Hardingham, Sr. Harry moved to his beloved Laurel, Maryland when he was one year old. He was married to Margaret (Ronchi) in 1937. She preceded him in death on February 16, 2011.

Harry served on the Laurel City Council for one term and was then elected as Mayor of Laurel for two terms. He was responsible for bringing Laurel under the jurisdictionof the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. He also saw the old volunteer fire station become the home of the first Town Hall of Laurel. He also worked to try to bring in the planning and zoning system of the Maryland National Park and Planning Commission to establish guidelines for the future growth of Laurel. Harry owned and operated two service stations on Route 1 in Laurel and later opened the Laurel Car Wash in the Laurel Shopping Center. Harry was a 32nd degree Mason, member of the Scottish Rites and Shrine Club, Order of the Eastern Star, Past President of the Laurel Lion's Club, the Laurel Chamber of Commerce and a member of the American Legion, Post Number 60. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Laurel. He and his late wife, "Marge", were active members of the Laurel Sociables Senior Bowling team until the previous year.

Harry's devotion to Laurel was second to his devotion to his family. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Parisius, his grandchildren, Mark Parisius and Kim Mann, and his great-grandchildren, Jordan Mann, Jake Mann, Ryan Mann, Lindsey Parisius, and Megan Parisius.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 7-9 pm at DONALDSON FUNERAL HOME, P.A. where funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery.