Robert J. Harrington

Mr. Robert J. Harrington, of Waltham, died peacefully after a long illness on Thursday, April 18, 2024.  He was 82.

Bob was born in Cambridge on July 25, 1941, the beloved son of the late John and Marion (Clfford) Harrington and had lived in Waltham for most of his life.   He was a 1959 graduate of Waltham High School.

A year later he joined the United States Marine Corps and served from 1960 to 1964 and was trained as a helicopter mechanic. He re-enlisted in 1967 and spent just under two years in Vietnam flying aboard Marine Medevac helicopters.  His unit was awarded several combat and service commendations.   Among several individual citations, Bob earned the Combat Action Ribbon and a Purple Heart for a gunshot wound he received in a firefight while rescuing fellow wounded Marines.  

Two years after his discharge the best part of his life began when he married Waltham native Lorraine C. Finney in Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church. The couple remained lifelong residents of the parish where they raised their family.

Bob also joined the telephone workers union after he got out of the service and worked through every iteration of New England Telephone and Telegraph to Verizon and retired in 2001 as a manager after more than thirty-seven years of service.

He was an active member of several veterans organizations and served in many capacities including post commander of the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post No. 156, the Marine Corps League and the PFC John M. Sullivan USMC VFW Post No. 10334 where he was also a founding member.

He also volunteered for more than twenty years with the Toys for Tots program, the last two years, serving as local coordinator for Waltham and surrounding communities.

Bob was first and foremost a devoted family man and loved spending time and traveling throughout the country and the world with Lorraine.  Time spent at the lake with his children and grandchildren was cherished and he could often be found walking ‘his loop’ around Lakeview.  Bob also kept a varied coin collection that he shared with others and enjoyed quiet time with a good book.

In addition to his beloved wife of fifty-two years, Lorraine, he leaves his children, Kimberly A.  Daugirda (Thomas) of Billerica and Tara L. Romano (Michael) of Dracut; his grandchildren, Kayla Harrington, Cade McGill, Cameron Romano, Shelby McGill and Brady Romano and many nieces and nephews.  

Bob was also the father of the late Christopher J. Harrington and the brother of the late Maryann ‘Mimi’ Beaton. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Bob’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, April 24th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 8 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.