Earl Radding, 1912-2009

Earl was the oldest Radding at the first reunion and, as far as the genealogy team could determine, possibly the oldest living Radding. Earl (standing in the photo) was gregarious and delightful at the reunion. We will miss him at the Lake Tahoe reunion.

Radding, Earl C.

Engineer-Musician-Senior Olympian-Family Man

Passed away after a short illness on February 1, 2009 at 96 years of age. Born April 26, 1912 in Albany, N.Y., son of Hattie Simons Radding and Aaron Radding, Earl received his Mechanical Engineering Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1933 and his Professional Engineering Certification subsequently.

In 1938, he joined the US Naval ship building efforts in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, NYC. After the war, Earl accepted a position in the DuPont Engineering Department, Seaford location, from which he retired in 1977. Earl was perennially active in the National Society of Professional Engineers, Delaware Chapter, of which he served as President. In 1983, he was awarded Outstanding Engineer of the Year. The National organization bestowed “Distinguished Member” in 1991, “Fellow Member” in 2001 and in 2007, “Life Member.” Earl’s dedication to exemplary engineering professionalism led to the institution of rigorous PE requirements and high standards of excellence across the nation.

Music was a talent recognized in his youth when Earl, age 12, gave a piano recital under the tutelage of Helen Radding Maxwell, Albany, NY. Banjo playing with pick-up bands helped him with expenses through his college years. In the Seaford area, over a period of 40 years, frequent jam sessions were held with Gordon and Alice McCormick, and professional banjo artists, Buddy Wachter and Al Smith. In 1989, Earl formed the GrandpaJammers who performed on the Delmarva Penninsula. The group of 11 were eventually joined by Helen Lind, vocalist. More recently, the Grandpa Jammers had become a quintet of Earl, Helen, Dave Sterrett, Bob Corwin and Jim Smith. Often Earl and Helen would perform as a duo and did cut a CD of Oldies but Goodies in 2005.

Senior Olympics were another facet of Earl’s vibrant life. Throughout his 70’s and 80’s he continually won medals in Tennis and Bowling at National Competitions. Tennis fell by the way side in his 90’s, however he was a Bowling medalist in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Singles and Mixed-Doubles with his partner, Christine Morrow, in the Delaware State competitions and a medalist in the Singles and Mixed-Doubles Nationals in 2005.

A special hobby, Amateur Radio, was of interest to Earl from his teens, The Marconi days. He was licensed for 57 years and participated in the QCWA and Nanticoke Amateur Radio Clubs locally.

Family was Earl’s highest priority with emphasis on education, high ethics and social commitment. He was a Scout Master, a mentor for remedial programs, an involved father with his wife, Edna, and children. Earl and Edna, who predeceased Earl in 2002, were married 64 years with two sons, Peter (sr) and Wilson, two grandchildren, Peter (jr) and Nicole Radding Havert, two great grandsons, Trent and Grant Radding, a great granddaughter, Jordan Havert and a fourth due in May. Earl is also survived by three nieces, Lois Collins, Doris Turlo, and Arlene Vrooman, a nephew, David Maxwell, and a niece by marriage, Karen Scheie. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 7, 2009, 2 PM at the Watson-Yates funeral home, Front and King Streets, Seaford, DE. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Seaford Senior Center or the Milford Senior Center.