Michael Thomas "Mike" Harding, 80, of Cockeysville, passed away on Thursday, June 25, at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was the devoted husband of Theresa Ann Harding, with whom he celebrated 56 years of marriage in October 2025.

Mike served as a police officer with the Baltimore Police Department for 22 years, retiring as a Sergeant in 1993. During his tenure, he earned twelve official commendations, including four Commendatory Letters and two Bronze Stars. Following his police career, he worked as a fraud investigator for Nationwide Insurance Company for 24 years, retiring in 2022. He also served four years in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1971. Mike was a dedicated member of the Fraternal Order of Police for over 50 years.

A 1963 graduate of Calvert Hall High School, Mike earned a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the University of Baltimore in 1967. Born in Wilmington, DE, in 1945, he was the son of the late Kent and Muriel Harding, and the beloved brother of Linda Cline and the late Stephen Harding.

Mike was passionately devoted to his faith, family, and friends. A well-known member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church for over 50 years, he attended daily Mass. He was a faithful fan of Baltimore sports, including the Colts, Orioles, and Ravens. He also had a lifelong passion for antiques, maintaining a unique collection gathered from the greater Baltimore area and Virginia.

He was the dearly beloved father of Erin Kidd and her husband Brenton, and Christopher Harding and his wife Karen. He was the loving grandfather and "Pop Pop" of Lizzie Kidd, Jack Harding, Caroline Kidd, and Mason Harding. Known to many as "Big Mike," he was widely respected by his extended family and a vast network of friends as a truly special and compassionate man.

Friends may call at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 York Rd. (beltway exit 26), on Thursday, July 2nd, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church, Cockeysville, 100 Church Ln, Cockeysville, MD 21030, on Friday, July 3rd, at 10 AM.  Interment Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org .