Chester Man, Lawn Tool Innovator Dies

John R. Hardin, Jr. passed away at home on June 5 after a long illness. He was 85.

Born on December 28, 1927 to the late John R. and Elizabeth (Cooper) Hardin in Newark, he attended Newark Academy, St. Mark’s School, and Princeton University. He was a resident of Bernardsville for 17 years, Gladstone for two years, and Chester Township since 1978.

Hardin was a veteran of the United States Navy in World War II, serving from 1945 to 1946.

After the war, Hardin was an insurance broker in Newark for many years before starting a career in building construction and engineering of high rise storage systems, later owning his own company, Rack Structures Inc.

Hardin served as president of the board of trustees for the Winchester Gardens Retirement Community in Maplewood, which he helped design.

Hardin held several U. S. Patents for battery operated lawn tools. In addition to inventing things, he enjoyed playing golf, fly fishing, and salmon fishing in Canada.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Stephanie (Pfeifer), a daughter Pamela, two sons, John R. III and James, two grandchildren, James and Kailey, his niece, nephews, and his cousin William D Hardin.

He was predeceased by his sister, Frances Hardin Reid, in 1974.

A memorial service to celebrate Hardin’s life will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 182 Main Street, Gladstone, NJ 07934 on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are requested by the family to Atlantic Home Care and Hospice, 465 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960.