Joseph Emmett Harrington
May 21, 1922 ~ June 20, 2016
At home and surrounded by his adoring wife and children, Joe Harrington died in the early hours of June 20th, 2016. Until the very end, he faced the challenges of his declining health fearlessly and with dignity. Joe was 94.
Family was his greatest joy from the time he married the love of his life, Kathryn, 67 years ago. Their six children, Maureen, Patty, Katey, Rusty, Jane, and Tim, their sons- and daughters-in-law, their beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and their extended family will forever remember him for his warm heart and intrepid optimism.
During World War II, Joe was a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He made his career in the insurance industry, founding Harrington Life Associates, where he was a compassionate employer for decades in the Washington DC area. In all his endeavors he was known for his sturdy integrity, and he had a faculty for making and keeping friends.
As a young man, Joe was an usher at Ebbets Field, home of his revered Brooklyn Dodgers, and carried through life a deep appreciation of baseball. Politics was another perennial topic of conversation with him, along with books and all things Irish. His knowledge of history was vast, his advice to his children always based on the simple principles of honesty and love. Peace was ever Joe's watchword.
Faith was deeply important to him, and he was devoted to his church community. Alongside his wife, he sang for many years in the choir at St. Mark Catholic Church, where he will rest after his funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Capital Caring Hospice. http://www.capitalcaring.org/join-us/donate/
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Family was his greatest joy from the time he married the love of his life, Kathryn, 67 years ago. Their six children, Maureen, Patty, Katey, Rusty, Jane, and Tim, their sons- and daughters-in-law, their beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and their extended family will forever remember him for his warm heart and intrepid optimism.
During World War II, Joe was a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He made his career in the insurance industry, founding Harrington Life Associates, where he was a compassionate employer for decades in the Washington DC area. In all his endeavors he was known for his sturdy integrity, and he had a faculty for making and keeping friends.
As a young man, Joe was an usher at Ebbets Field, home of his revered Brooklyn Dodgers, and carried through life a deep appreciation of baseball. Politics was another perennial topic of conversation with him, along with books and all things Irish. His knowledge of history was vast, his advice to his children always based on the simple principles of honesty and love. Peace was ever Joe's watchword.
Faith was deeply important to him, and he was devoted to his church community. Alongside his wife, he sang for many years in the choir at St. Mark Catholic Church, where he will rest after his funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Capital Caring Hospice. http://www.capitalcaring.org/join-us/donate/
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I couldn’t have asked for or wanted a better man to be my Daddy. Although “Gone from Sight,” you will forever remain in my heart and in the hearts of all those who loved you. I am so grateful to have been your daughter these past 64 years and will do my best to honor you all the days of my life. Love, Patty
My deepest and most profound condolences to the entire Harrington family on the loss of such a wonderful man. The void of your husband and father’s passing can never be filled, but know that countless people experienced his kindness. Fill your hearts with the sure and certain knowledge that he was loved and appreciated outside of the family.
Dear Patty and Family, Although we never personally never met your dad, we feel like we knew this kind Irish gentleman. Your folks have been in our prayers for a long time. We continue to think of you all. God bless! Love, Tom & Sue
The Assisted Living staff miss your morning stop at the office to say good morning and your smile
We did not have the privilege of knowing Joe long, but we did have the pleasure of having some of our happiest memories made with him, his dear Katherine, and his beloved Harrington clan. He was a fixture in the Irish community, sharing his bountiful optimism and warmth with one and all. He also was one of the finest examples of how to live we have ever known. We will miss him greatly, but are comforted in the knowledge that he lives on in all the Harringtons. God bless you.
Intrepid optimist is right, it is his optimism that I think of first in remembering Uncle Joe (also know to me as a young child as Uncle Boots). There is much to celebrate in how he touched others in his 94 years on this earth.
Kathryn and family thinking of you with heartfelt condolences on the death of your beloved Joe. Your loss is felt deeply by all who knew him. Wishing you comfort in this sad time.
I still treasure and remember our Winder Street neighbors, the bridge games, the Halloween Party, the square dancing in the street. Friends pass on but memories remain. We have been blessed.
My deepest condolences to Mr. Harrington’s family and friends. Although I did not ever have the pleasure of knowing him personally, he sounds like a wise, kind and thoroughly unique man. After reading of his life, I am certain the world is a darker place without him. Knowing his daughter Maureen, I can see that he was a master at forming character and an example to all who knew him. Blessings and peace to all of you.
Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Joe I somehow felt a connection with him through his daughter, my friend, Maureen. His beautiful soul will be greatly missed. With Heartfelt Sympathy, Love, Patricia
My sincerest sympathy to the Harrington family. His beloved daughter Maureen is a perfect example of a loving human being. I am sure he enriched all of the lives he touched. Wishing you all a gentle healing.
What a beautifully written obituary about a clearly singular man
A life well-lived, a man well-loved, and a passing surrounded by his loving family….he will surely be missed. Condolences to our friend Maureen and the Harrington family. Patty and Casey
May his memory be a blessing! Wishing you all peace.
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss. May Gods Grace give you strength during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy is with you. In love and friendship.
May the love that he gave to all of you remain with you always. Sending caring thoughts and prayers to our friend Maureen and the entire Harrington family.
We send our sympathies to our sister-in-law Maureen and all of the Harrington family at this sad time. May the memories of Joe bring comfort to all of you.
Sending love and prayers to Grandma Kathryn, my sweet mother-in-law Maureen and all of Grandpa Joe’s children. May a lifetime of memories give you peace as you say goodbye during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Grandpa Joe.
We have always loved Joe and Kathryn and their family…such good people. Joe will be missed terribly by all. Our most sincere sympathy to all of the Harringtons.