April 7, 1935 – June 16, 2021
Shrewsbury – Gil Harrington’s property on the corner of Holman and Spring Streets in Shrewsbury was for years a familiar landmark and the destination for flowers and greeneries. Like family and friends…they bring color into the world! Known by wholesalers throughout New England, R.B. Harrington produced the most beautiful and timely Easter lilies, Christmas poinsettia’s and all the flowers needed for the plantings on Memorial Day and beyond. And for the wonderful seasons of New England Gil had something for everyone.
Gilbert B. Harrington was born on April 7, 1935 to the late Ralph and Doris (Dufresne) Harrington. A graduate of Major Howard Beal High School in 1952 he rowed on its crew team on the waters of Lake Quinsigamond. Like many of his peers he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country with honor and pride during the Korean Conflict. Upon return to the States Gil didn’t speak much of his time in the service. Perhaps it was his best effort to forget the pain inflicted upon him when injured by an explosive device and the loss and devastation only soldiers experienced firsthand.
Gil then joined the family business fulltime and nurtured the materials to be sold while tending to the many customers who supported his business throughout his thirty-five-year career. He loved serving his customers…many of whom would become close friends.
Outside of work Gilbert loved the outdoors. He had an affection for the Green Mountain State of Vermont, in particular Ludlow that afforded him time in nature to ski, hunt, snowmobile, fish.
He was married to his high school sweetheart, Joan K. Heitin, for 27 years. Joan died on July 23, 2009. In addition to Joan, he was predeceased by his grandson, Jamie Cantwell, and his brother, David Harrington.
Gilbert died on June 16, 2021 in The Saint Francis Home in Worcester. He was 86.
He leaves his children, Barbara A. Cantwell (Michael Gentile) of Shrewsbury and Michael B. Harrington of Montana; two sisters, Ann Fultz of Marlborough and Marcia Hinkley of Connecticut; three grandchildren, Joshua, Samantha and Sarah; several great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Gilbert’s life on Wednesday, July 7 at The Eastern Shores Club, 206 South Quinsigamond Ave., Shrewsbury, where his Life Celebration will be held at 11:30 a.m. There are no calling hours and burial is private.
Memorials in his name may be made to Notre Dame Hospice, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605.
Arrangements by James & John Heald/Joyce Funeral Home of Waltham.
