Richard Patrick Harden

Richard Patrick Harden, age 75, of Erie, passed away on Monday July 31, 2023 at Manchester Commons Retirement Community.  He was born the youngest son of 13 in Laurel, MS on July 3, 1948, of the late William and Mary Curry Harden. Affectionately known to his friends and family as “Ric” or “Ricky”, he came to Erie as a child with his family. He graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1966.

Ric began his working career as a toolmaker with Swanson Erie.  He was a skilled basketball player as well as an avid tennis player and played for 50 years. He was a PTR certified tennis pro at Westwood Racquet Club where he worked for over 20 years and eventually held a director position. Throughout his coaching career, he taught all ages and skill levels from YWCA summer recreation tennis to college level athletes at Mercyhurst University. His contributions to the tennis community in Erie were honored upon his retirement with a court named after him at Westwood Racquet Club.

Ric served as the pastor at Cherry St. Church of God for many years. The church, located on 3^rd and Cherry St. in Erie, Pa, held a special place his heart as it was his family church established by his father, William Harden Sr. He loved to minister through music and was gifted with a beautiful singing voice. Ric was a member of several singing groups over the years including the “Singspirations” and “True Praise”.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his wife of 32 years Irell Armwood-Harden; and 12 siblings: Wille Mae Giles, George Harden, Lillie “Lill” Mae Harden, William “Bill” Harden Jr., Henry “HJ” Harden, Ruth McMillian, Robert “Bobby” Harden, Curtis Harden, Gwendolyn Foster, Larry Harden, Olive “Ray” Crumbly, and Betty Reed.

Ric is survived by his children: Aric Lindsey (Tatyana) of McDonough, GA, Patrick Harden (Monica) of Erie, Caprice Hollis Sr. (Sarah) of Erie, Camille Barnes (Sharif) of Philadelphia, and Salina Brazela (Ric) of Washington DC; 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Friends may call on the family on Wednesday August 9^th from 10 am until the time of the service at 12pm at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Downtown, 602 West 10^th St., and will be live-streamed for viewing at https://www.facebook.com/BurtonQuinnScott/.  Burial will follow at Erie Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family in care of Burton Funeral Home.  Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.