Robert J. Harrington, age 84, of Brockton, died January 2, 2024 at his home under the care of his family. He was the loving husband of Marjorie (Adams) Harrington for 63 years. Born and raised in Dorchester, a son of the late Francis and Florence (Casey) Harrington, Bob moved to Brockton with his family in 1972.
He was a graduate of Boston Technical High School where he was a state champion in track and field events and held 50 and 100-yard dash records that stood up for many years, he was also a standout on the Tech football team as a running back and cornerback.
After graduation Bob enlisted in the Massachusetts National Guard and spent six months of active-duty formal training under the Reserve Forces Act Program at the United States Army Training Center, Armor Fort Knox Kentucky. He went on to serve in the Massachusetts National Guard for many years and was honorably discharged as a Master Sargeant (E-8) Tank Commander. He was proud of his service, and never missed an opportunity to speak about how much it meant to him and those who served with him. For many years, Bob worked in the assessor’s office for the town of Randolph and when he retired he was hired to work part time for the Brockton assessor’s department. He retired for a “second time” in 2019.
A voracious reader and avid sportsman, Bob enjoyed many activities with his children and grandchildren. He lived by his motto that “manners make the man” and was kind, generous, giving and a very good conversationalist.
Bob was the father of William G. Harrington and his partner Andrea Deady of Lynnfield, Kevin F. Harrington and his wife Liz of E. Bridgewater and the late Kathleen Kelliher and Brian Harrington. He leaves 10 grandchildren: Brian, Sophia Kimberly and the late Reilly Harrington, Thomas and Natalie Deady, Jake, Owen and Cole Harrington and Devin and Conor Kelliher. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and was the brother of the late Francis and William Harrington.
Visitation will be held at the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St., Brockton on Monday, January 8, 2024 from 9-11am followed by a funeral service. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery Brockton.