Thomas A. Harrington
Thomas A. Harrington, age 87, also known to many as "Freddy", died peacefully at Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH, Saturday, April 14, 2012, following a brief illness.
He was born on March 4, 1925 in Miami, FL, to the late Dr. Daniel and Madeline Harrington. He graduated from Boston Latin and earned degrees from both the University of Maine and Yale University. Thomas proudly served in the U.S Army during the Korean War. He was originally stationed in Japan and was given the assignment of writing MacArthur's memoirs. However, he was quickly reassigned to position of hospital administrator at the military hospital in Tokyo at the age of 25.
Thomas went on to serve as hospital administrator in several New England hospitals, including Salem Hospital, now known as North Shore Medical Center. Thomas and his late wife, Marie were long-time residents of Lynnfield, where they raised their three sons, before moving to Maine and finally to Melbourne, FL. Thomas will long be remembered for his incredible "Irish wit" and the gracious love he held for his grandchildren, wife Marie and entire family, as well as his many friends.
Thomas was husband of the late, Marie Crane Harrington and is survived by three sons; Dr. Thomas A. Harrington and wife Michele of Chesapeake, VA, Dr. Allan C. Harrington and wife Elizabeth of Bethesda, MD and Stephen R. Harrington and wife State Representative Sheila C. Harrington of Groton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel and Evans and a sister, Helen. Thomas is survived by his grandchildren, Meghan, Molly, Timothy, Lee, Delia, Allan Jr., Julia and Will, as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, April 21, at Our Lady of Grace Parish worshipping at St. Joseph's Church, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH, Salesian Missions or the Wounded Warriors Project. Arrangements by Hamilton-McGaffigan Funeral Home Pepperell. Please see www.mcgaffiganfuneral.com
