Patrick Harrington Obituary

NEW BEDFORD - Attorney Patrick H. Harrington, Jr., age 89 of Somerset died Wednesday, April 7, 2010 in the Oaks Nursing Center in New Bedford. He was the husband of the late Eleanora (Spillane) Harrington.

Born in Fall River the son of the late Patrick H. Harrington, Sr. and Frances (Lockingen) Harrington, he lived Somerset most of his life moving to New Bedford a year ago.

He was a graduate of BMC Durfee High School, Class of 1938, received his BA from Bates College in 1946 and graduated Cum Laude from Boston University Law School, class of 1948 where he was Case Editor of the University Law Review. Admitted to the Bar in 1948, his general practice was with emphasis on public sector representation including: numerous unions, including the Fall River Firefighters and Police, SMU Building Authority, Battleship Massachusetts and Bank of New England. He made frequent appearances before state and local government agencies, including most departments of state government and Mayors, Selectman, Planning Boards, Zoning Boards of Appeal and Conservation Commissions in local government. He was a member of the Fall River, Bristol County, Boston, Massachusetts and American Bar Associations.

A United States Navy Veteran, he served 5 years active duty during World War II and 35 years in the Naval Reserves retiring as Captain. He was a member of the Navy League, Naval Reserve, Reserve Officers and Retired Officers Associations.

Very active in his community, Atty. Harrington was elected County Commissioner for Bristol County and trustee of its' Agricultural High School serving from 1956-1988. He was then elected County Treasurer for Bristol County in 1989, was Chairman of Bristol County Retirement Board and Democratic nominee for Congress in 1966. Senior Naval Aide to the Governor, he was attached to the Adjutant General's Office in 1963. He was also Chairman of the Fall River Industrial Commission in the early 1950's. He was also a Director for the Fall River National Bank, now Bank of New England.

Atty. Harrington was a member of the Statewide Group Insurance Commission form 1979-1984, was counsel to Southeastern Massachusetts Health Planning and Development Inc. for many years, Initiated Group Health and Insurance plan for Bristol County, and group Health for Boston, Gloucester and the New Bedford Fisherman's Unions.

An excellent tennis player, he was a member of the Fetherdic Club Fall River, Acoaxet Club, Westport and enjoyed jogging and golfing.

He is survived by his son Patrick H. Harrington, III and his wife Donna of Somerset, two grandchildren Kirby Harrington and Amanda Coulombe, two great-grandchildren Tyler and Mia Coulombe, his beloved friend Lillian Webb of Dartmouth and many nieces and nephews. Atty. Harrington was also the brother of the late Leonard J. Harrington, Jean Mitchell and Mary Ingram.

Private arrangements are in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN HOMES OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT ROSE E. SULLIVAN, SOMERSET. For online registration visit: www.waringsullivansomerset.com