John Patrick “Jack” Harrington of West Yarmouth, formerly of Winthrop, and devoted husband of Roberta “Bobbi” Harrington, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Thursday August 5, 2021.

 

Jack was born on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1951 in Winthrop, MA to John and Claire (Clifford) Harrington of Winthrop, MA, joining sisters, Penny and Pammy, as the third of the Harrington brood. He attended Winthrop Public Schools until 1968 when he moved to Cape Cod with his mother, Claire, and grandparents, Edmund “Popo” and Margaret “Nana” Clifford. He attended Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, graduating in 1970.

 

He was proud to be from Boston.  He grew up in Winthrop, MA, a small town east of Boston that measures 1 square mile.  Taking the bus “in town”, watching the Beatles from the top of the hill shortly after the British Invasion began, jumping off the pier with “no fear”.  Growing up, “Jackie” loved spending summers with all his cousins and two sisters, and running around with his crew of friends. He was always proud of who he was, and adamant of who he wanted to become. He was very close with his mother throughout her whole life, and it was always important that he be there for his kids and grandkids. To say he achieved that is an understatement.

 

He was one half of a dynamic duo that could never be duplicated.  Jack and Bobbi stood by each other through thick and thin, and sacrificed whatever was needed to make sure their children had a better life. The good times were filled with laughter and love, and even in hard times toward the end, they still found time to find joy in even the most dire circumstances.  Because of his wife, Bobbi’s, unending devotion, his entire entourage of family and friends were able to spend that much more time with him, and allow him to spend his last moments in peace.

 

He loved Boston sports to his core.  He was a Bruins fan through and through and no one on earth can convince him that Bobby Orr shouldn't be called the “Great One”. As a family we have been fortunate to witness pure sports greatness over the years as fans of Boston teams, much to the chagrin of the rest of the country.  As a result, we have gone to at least one parade for each major sport in town, as a group, a loud over-lubricated group. And we wouldn’t have had it any other way. 

 

He was proud to be an American, and the descendent of hardworking Irish ancestry.  He was the guy who still hates Jane Fonda, who lights up at the sound of a Harley opening it up, who takes his hat off and puts his hand on his heart while sitting on the couch during the anthem on a game on tv.  He would light up at the sound of a Celtic fiddle, and would scream the words to his favorite Irish songs at any time of the year. He only knew a few verses to any of them so it was a quick act.  He was proud to have had a job consistently for his entire life, and wasn't too proud to learn new things if it meant providing for his family.  He has held so many jobs over the years, if you were to ask him, prepare to take a seat and open a beer. Each job came with countless stories, with at least one that will make you LOL, as the kids say.

 

He had an unquenchable love for the sea, growing up on the ocean’s doorstep in Winthrop and then later Cape Cod. Fishing the local waters off the Cape for cod and haddock, lobsters and crab, he forged lifelong relationships that live to this day. Later traveling on fishing boats up and down the eastern seaboard for every type of commercially caught fish, the stories will live on in infamy and if you were lucky enough to have him tell them in person, consider yourself privileged.

 

He took the role of being a friend very seriously, and was always there for his “brothers”.  And when the time came that he needed their support, they came out in droves.  From his childhood best friend, Jimmy Donovan, to; lifelong friends, Steve Haskell, Jimmy Sutton, “Goody” Greg Goodwin, Skipper Lee, Jimmy Kennedy, cousin Chuck Doherty, and countless others. You know who your friends are when you need them the most. And that is something  worth more than gold.

 

Of all the jobs that meant the most to him it was being a husband and father, and later a grandfather of six crazy kids.  Camping, fishing, and spending time together near any body of water were some of the best memories. Driving around with a Jeep full of kids blaring “Atomic Dog” and singing at the top of their lungs, Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the beach without a care in the world, teaching the kids about sea life and just….life. The memories are endless and will live forever, along with the soul of a man who cannot be shackled, or sunk.  We will miss you with all our hearts, and will do our best to keep the dream alive. Cheers and Slainte

 

Jack leaves behind wife, Bobbi of Yarmouth; sons, Sean and his wife, Kerry Harrington of Yarmouth, and Donnovan Harrington of Yarmouth; his daughter, Erin Harrington and Ben Lavoie, of Yarmouth; his grandchildren, Emily, Benjamin, Wylie, Kailan, Adeline, and Elsie, and his sister, Pamela Swift, of Hyannis. He was predeceased by his mother, Claire Harrington, his father, John Harrington and his sister, Claire “Penny” Pizzano.

 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth from 5pm to 8pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the pavilion at Greys Beach, Yarmouth Port, MA on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 4:00 P.M.  Family and friends are invited to bring their beach chairs and dancing shoes.

 

 

Bobbie, Sean, Erin, Donavan, and family; Jack/your Dad had a beautiful smile that matched his soul. He will most assuredly be missed. May he rest in perfect peace, Peace & Love, Heidi

Bobbie, kids and grandchildren, We are praying for you all at this very sorrowful time. So many fond memories of his shenanigans with Bucky & Rabbit from chicken fights on South St, playing full contact kickball and so many family reunions. He was always there for my family at low times to support us also. He will always be family to me. My “other” Uncle Jack. Kathy & Rob

~A Fisherman’s Prayer~ I pray that I may live to fish Until my dying day And when it comes to my last cast I then most humbly pray; When in The Almighty’s great landing net And Peacefully asleep That in His mercy I be judged Big enough to keep By Kathy Lynn You were as authentic as one could be Jack. A beautiful smile to match your soul. May you rest in perfect Peace, Heidi

~A Fisherman’s Prayer~ I pray that I may live to fish Until my dying day And when it comes to my last cast I then most humbly pray; When in The Almighty’s great landing net And Peacefully asleep That in His mercy I be judged Big enough to keep By Kathy Lynn You were as authentic as one could be Jack. A beautiful smile to match your soul. May you rest in perfect Peace, Heidi

I will miss my friend Jack so much. Talking old movies or spy thrillers.Family is everything and Jack and Bobbi are family to us. We will always smile and laugh when we look back at all the good times and vacations we had together , he will always be with us. Love Teresa

I consider myself one of the privileged ones. He was a great and full of knowledge person. I am glad I had the chance to meet him and his wonderful family. He will be missed. I am sorry I will miss the "party".Love, Savina

Dear Bobbi and family…..this write up was just beautiful!!! Found myself smiling as I read it. My heart goes out to all of you. I did, indeed, love Jack….WHO DIDN’T ?! Remembering our trip to New Hampshire, our July 4th parties, and God knows…..THE STORIES !! I find myself looking back on ALL the stories. Your undivided attention…was a MUST ! You were all truly blessed…..cherish all those memories. You have my deepest sympathy at this difficult time and you also have my heart ❤️

I had the privilege of working with Jack for years. Jack was always a stand up guy. We sure did have some fun. . I don’t use the term without meaning it but Jack was the Finest Kind. He will be missed by all that knew him. ❤️

I met jack though my brother Ricky he was in Jack's class he sends his condolences, jack had a heart of gold and the biggest smile,he sure will be missed but not forgotten. May you rest in peace my friend ✌

Jack you will always be held tight in our hearts. Uncle Painter will always be talked about and missed by The Canadians. We love you Jack. Fly high and free and look after that gang of yours from your perch in heaven.

Jack you will always be held tight in our hearts. Uncle Painter will always be talked about and missed by The Canadians. We love you Jack. Fly high and free and look after that gang of yours from your perch in heaven.

Jack you will always be held tight in our hearts. Uncle Painter will always be talked about and missed by The Canadians. We love you Jack. Fly high and free and look after that gang of yours from your perch in heaven.