Ronald (Ranu) Harding

Ronald "Ranu" Earl Harding, a devoted artist, educator, and advocate, passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy of creativity, wisdom, and compassion. Born in New Rochelle, New York, to Eric Earl Harden Jr. and Sarah Corrine Harris Spear, Ranu lived a life dedicated to artistic expression, personal growth, and community service.

Ranu graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1963 before pursuing his passion for the arts at Cooper Union, the Phoenix School of Design, and later earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in 1977. He continued his graduate studies at City College in New York City, always striving to expand his knowledge and artistic mastery.

In 1965, Ranu enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving until 1967 while stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. His time in the military allowed him to travel extensively across Europe, deepening his appreciation for the arts and cultural expression.

A gifted painter and martial artist, Ranu found harmony between these disciplines, viewing them as interconnected pathways to both physical and spiritual consciousness. His love for the arts was boundless, spanning painting, sculpture, music, poetry, and martial arts, particularly Tai Chi. He believed that movement and creativity were inseparable, each influencing the other in a continuous flow of expression. He drew inspiration from luminaries such as Henry Tanner, Hale Woodruff, Langston Hughes, and John Coltrane, infusing his work with a deep sense of history, rhythm, and meaning.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Ranu was a passionate educator, dedicating his career to teaching art in New York City schools. He had an unwavering commitment to youth, using his talents to inspire and uplift the next generation. His love for his community was evident in the many ways he gave back, including his pro bono design of the logo for the Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps (Bed Stuy Vollies), the nation's first multi-racial volunteer ambulance corps. This contribution reflected not only his artistic talent but his deep belief in service and community empowerment.

Ranu was previously married to Valeria Womack Rodriguez, with whom he shared two children, Ronda and Alec. In 1980, he married Patricia (Patima) McConner Harding, with whom they shared three children and built a life rooted in love, activism, and community engagement. After years of service and creativity, he retired to Houston, Texas.

Ranu's legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Patricia (Patima) McConner Harding; children, Ronda Harding-Boyd (Anthony), Alec Harding (Petrina), Amon Harding, Ptah Harding (Tiffany), and the late Neter Harding (Aymen Daghfous); grandchildren, Amari Boyd (Subadevan Boyd-Devan), Elijah Harding, Liam Harding, Alana Harding, and Angelica Harding; siblings, including the late Eric Harding III and William Chandler(Francis), as well as Jeffery Chandler (Florence), Lawrence Spear (Michelle), and Warren Spear (Marcia); sister, Patricia Chandler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godson and dear friends.

Ranu's life was a testament to the power of art, the depth of knowledge, and the strength of the human spirit. He will be profoundly missed but forever remembered in the vibrant strokes of his paintings, the wisdom he imparted, and the love he shared.