Search by Name

Search by Name

William Harden

1934 - 2018

William Harden obituary, 1934-2018, Chicago, IL

William Harden Obituary

Harden, Dr. William J. Dr. William J. Harden, former CPS Director of the Board of Education's Bureau of Health, Physical Education and Safety passed away from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, December 13, 2018. He was born in his Woodlawn Neighborhood Chicago home on February 21, 1934. After graduating from Englewood High School, he entered into Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA) where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, graduating in 1956. While at Southern, he played both football and baseball. He excelled academically, was involved in many campus activities, and was initiated into the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (1953). In 1956, he began teaching with CPS before being drafted into military duty with the United States Army in 1957. After an honorable discharge in 1959, he returned to the CPS Board of Education where he taught and coached basketball, football, and golf for 11 years at Harrison High School before becoming a League Supervisor in 1970. In 1972 he became an Area Supervisor at the Board Central Office in downtown Chicago. Throughout his time teaching and coaching he continued his studies in education, earning a Master of Education from Loyola University Chicago and a Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University. In addition to his love for learning and quest for higher education, he enjoyed time doing the play-by-play in the broadcast booth, during the football season, with Sportscaster Bob Greenberg on WBEZ-FM radio station. He often spoke of the late Bob Greenberg, who was blind, as one of the best radio sportscasters and compared him to a sportscaster he listened to growing up named Bill Stern. In 1976, Dr. Harden became the Director of Health, Physical Education and Safety for CPS, becoming the first African-American appointed to this position in the city of Chicago. After serving nearly 40 years with the CPS Board of Education, he retired. During his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling with his wife "Jenny", engaging in lively discussions with his daughters, reading, and playing golfthe most thrilling of his hobbies. William "Bill" Harden was preceded in death by his parents, William and Madora (nee Sumner) Harden; an older brother, who died shortly after birth; a sister, Henrietta Harden Marshall; brother-in-law, Maurice Justin; and niece, Deborah Washington Davis. He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Geneva (nee Justin) Harden; daughters, Shawn Marie Harden and Dr. Shellie Maria Harden; a sister, Ann Harden Barnes; sisters-in-law, Elaine Washington and Germaine Harding; and brothers-in-law, Adrian Justin (Jacqueline) and Andrew Justin (Dr. Jacqueline); nieces, Madora Younger (Excell), Diane Carlisle (Tommy), and Dr. Eve McCarthy-Norman (Randy); nephews, Michael McCarthy (Debbie), Harold Washington, and David Washington; cousins, Barbara Penn (Dr. Nolan) and Hubert Harden, Jr. (Emma); and many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A viewing will be on Friday, December 21, 2018 from noon until 6 p.m. at Cage Memorial Chapel, 7651 South Jeffery, Chicago, IL. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2018, with a Wake at 9:00 a.m., Reflections and Resolutions from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., at St. Felicitas Catholic Church, 1526 E. 84th Street in Chicago, IL. 60619. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter 220 West Huron Street, Suite 4003, Chicago, IL. 60654.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Dec. 21, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Harden

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

Not sure what to say?





1968 Yearbook

Anna Ramirez

January 4, 2019

On behalf of Carter H Harrison High School student alumni, please accept our deepest sympathy. We thank Dr. Harden for his teaching and guidance during his tenure at Harrison. Rest In Peace.

December 27, 2018

Offering our sincere condolences. May the God of love comfort your heart and make you firm in your time of grief. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.

December 26, 2018

December 26, 2018

Dear Family of Dr. William J. Harden:

I am a Member of Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Illinois. Reverend Dr. David B. Thornton is the Pastor.

I am also a Former Member of Church Musician Ship Guild, Inc. (1988-2008). The late Dr. Mildred G. Lewis was the Founder and Executive Director. For your information, I was their Executive Secretary, and Public Relations Director.

I will keep you all in my prayers, especially during this difficult time.

"BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN, FOR THEY WILL BE COMFORTED". MATTHEW 5:4
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY,
MS. VALINDA JONES, CINCINNATI, OHIO

James Zahara

December 21, 2018

My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your loved one.Mr.Harden was my high school football coach at Harrison high school during the early 60 s.Not only was he a great coach he was a great mentor to me.Rest in peace coach Harden.

Fernando Jones

December 21, 2018

Harden Family, you are in my prayers.

Adrienne Thomas

December 21, 2018

Our sincere condolences to Shawn and her Family. May the peace of God be with you.
Your neighbor and friends on 89th Street Adrienne, Tasha and Ava.

Z L

December 21, 2018

My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.

December 20, 2018

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Valerie Costello

December 20, 2018

My deepest sympathy for your family during this most trying time. My prayers and thoughts are always with you. Valerie Costello

December 20, 2018

The Townsend Family would like to express our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in William Harden's name

Memorial Events
for William Harden

Dec

21

Viewing

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Cage Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc.

7651 S Jeffery Blvd, Chicago, IL 60649

Dec

22

Wake

9:00 a.m.

St. Felicitas Catholic Church

1526 E. 84th Street, Chicago, IL

Dec

22

Service

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

St. Felicitas Catholic Church

IL

Dec

22

Funeral Mass

10:30 a.m.

St. Felicitas Catholic Church

IL

Funeral services provided by:

Cage Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc.

7651 S Jeffery Blvd, Chicago, IL 60649

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Harden's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more