Reverend Kevin J. Harrington, 70, of New Bedford died December 28, 2020 unexpectedly at home.
Born in Wareham, son of the late Edmund A. and Isabelle (Gomes) Harrington, he lived in New Bedford most of his life.
He graduated from Holy Family High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in physics from Providence College. He studied for the priesthood at St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore. Fr. Harrington was ordained to the Priesthood by the Most Reverend Daniel A. Cronin at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River, on May 10, 1975.
He served as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro, St. Joseph Parish in Attleboro, St. Mary’s Parish in Attleboro, St. Joseph Parish in Taunton, St. Mark Parish in Attleboro Falls, St. Patrick Parish in Fall River, and St. Lawrence in New Bedford.
Fr. Harrington also served as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Attleboro, St. Hedwig Parish, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and St. Francis of Assisi Parishes in New Bedford.
During those years, he also oversaw ministry to the Spanish-speaking, serving as director of the Spanish Apostolate in Attleboro and then Taunton. He was also chaplain at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro. For almost 20 years, he was also a columnist for the diocesan newspaper, The Anchor.
Throughout this time, he also served as Chaplain of the Daughters of Isabella in Attleboro, the North Attleboro Police Department, and Knights of Columbus, St. John’s Council #404 of Attleboro.
He was a Trustee for the New Bedford Free Public library for many years and was the Chair of the Building Committee. Throughout his life he was an advocate for the homeless establishing programs for their benefit. He was instrumental in developing the Cobblestone Scholars program.
He was an avid reader and participated in area book clubs. He enjoyed a good discussion on any subject. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved everyone he met. He will be missed by many friends, family, and parishioners.
He was a founding member of the quadrennial roundtable political discussion group and the New Bedford Light. He was a member of the Wamsutta Club; he was a champion of the dispossessed and homeless, the underdog and social justice. He loved his St. Francis community, New Bedford, literature, author Marcel Proust, conversation with friends and his fire engine red pickup truck.
Survivors include his sister, Gloria E. Healey and her husband Walter E. Healey, Jr. of Lakeville; 8 nieces and nephews, Jeremy Harrington, Alison Harrington, Samantha Harrington, Patricia Barnes, Kelly Olsen, Ryan Healey, Tara Neal and Meaghan Healey.
He was the brother of the late Edmund A. Harrington, Jr. and Barry J. Harrington.
Due to Covid-19, his Funeral Mass and burial will be private. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.