Northborough – Joseph E. Harrington, age 79, passed away at home on Monday, August 30, 2021, after a long and hard battle of 17 years with Parkinson’s. Joe was born in Whitinsville and raised in North Grafton, one of three sons to the late Edson B. and Elise H. (Pouppeville) Harrington. He attended Grafton public schools where he excelled in athletics, most especially basketball.
After graduating from Grafton High in 1960 Joe attended Worcester Jr. College. In 1962 he entered the U.S. Army. Upon his honorable discharge in 1965 Joe returned to Grafton and began to work at Westborough State Hospital. Joe remained an Army Reservist for many years after.
Following the love of the outdoors, the wildlife and environmental awareness, Joe became employed with the Mass. Dept. of Environmental Management. He first served in a supervisory position at Regatta Point Park on Lake Quinsigamond and later, at Purgatory Chasm.
While working full time, Joe continued his studies at Worcester State College where he was proudly awarded his BS in Natural Sciences. Joe was not afraid of hard work and long hours, all for the love of his family. While working and studying Joe also started as a letter carrier with the U.S. Post Office in Northborough. He would maintain his employment in both fields until his retirement in 2008.
Joe looked forward to being with his beloved family. They in turn will always remember the love he had for them. Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Marsha H. (Carey) Harrington; three children, Kevin J. Harrington of Northborough, Jeffrey E. Harrington and his wife Sara of Douglas, and Robin L. Harrington, also of Northborough. Joe leaves three grandchildren, Aliyah, Jeffrey Jr, and Nikolas Harrington; two brothers, Edson Harrington Jr of Columbus, GA and George Harrington of N. Grafton; nieces, nephews and his beloved dog, Dahlia.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 3, from 5-7 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 4, at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough. Burial with military honors will follow at Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.
The Harrington family respectfully request memorial donations be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. (www.Parkinson.org).
To leave a condolence, visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
