Marlborough – John T. Harrington, 92, died peacefully Saturday Feb. 16, 2013, with his family at his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of the late Marie C. (Kelleher) Harrington, who died in 2009. They were married for 59 years.
He was born in Hudson, the son of Patrick and Julia (Horgan) Harrington, and moved to Marlborough after getting married. He was a graduate of Hudson High School, where he was a standout pitcher for the baseball team.
After graduating high school, Mr. Harrington joined the United States Army and fought in both WWII and the Korean War. He was a awarded a Purple Heart Medal for being wounded in the line of duty, and retired from active duty after serving more than 20 years in the military. After leaving the service, he went to work for the Raytheon Corp. in Marlborough and later for the City of Marlborough's Water Department. Later on, he worked part time for the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home for more than 15 years.
He was a longtime member of the Marlborough Knights of Columbus Council 81 and the Edward F. McSweeney Fourth Degree Assembly of the K of C, serving in the many different leadership positions at both the local and state levels. He was also a longtime member of the Salvatore Padula Chapter 82 of the Disabled American Veterans in Marlborough, where he served as chaplain for many years and was voted Marlborough Veteran of the Year in 2007.
Mr. Harrington and his wife were members of the Immaculate Conception for all of their married life. He served as a communicant and donated countless hours volunteering at the church, as well as volunteering at the local Veteran's Administration Hospital.
He is survived by one daughter, Annemarie Riley and her husband Patrick of Agawam; two grandchildren, Shaylene and Nathan of Agawam; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Baxter, and a brother, Joseph Harrington.
His funeral was held Feb. 18 in the Immaculate Conception Church of Marlborough, with burial in Immaculate Conception Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough, MA 01752.
