Robert V. Harrington

Robert V. "Bob" Harrington, 93, of Port Charlotte, FL, passed away May 20, 2016 in the Concord Hospital, Concord, New Hampshire. He was the devoted and loving husband of Christine M. "Tina" (Ward) Harrington. Born on May 13, 1923, in East Providence, RI, to Robert H. Harrington and Mary (Varley) Harrington. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and East Providence High School until his father's death in 1939. He would have been a member of the class of 1941. He will be honored with a diploma at the graduation ceremony at East Providence High School on June 3, 2016 which he was made aware of shortly before his death. He served with the United States Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre attached to the First Marines in the invasion of Okinawa. Bob worked for the Coca Cola Company in Providence from 1941-1986, beginning as a loader and driver, working his way to Sales Person and retiring as Director of Special Events, handling all charitable donations. They say there wasn't a religious or charitable organization in the State of Rhode Island that didn't know the name Bob Harrington. Following his retirement from Coca Cola he worked for ADP for thirteen years. He was a communicant of Saint Matthew Church, Cranston for 45 years, spending many of those volunteering in the church as an usher, lector, commentator, and for the annual charity appeal. He was a founding Board Member of the Rhode Island Special Olympics, helping to bring that program to the state, and spent many years in service to their organization. He was awarded the Special Olympics Distinguished Service Award in 1987 for his volunteer effort. Bob loved reading books, the subject of history, and was an avid fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox, and loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow. In addition to his wife Christine of Port Charlotte, he is survived by his sons, Robert H., of New Hampshire, Patrick J. and Christopher J., both of Cranston, Kevin J., of Bangkok, Thailand, and daughter Donna M., and husband Michael of New Hampshire. 16 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and life-long friends. He was pre deceased by his son, Michael F in 2003, and brother Raymond and sister Marguerite McAreavey. Bob's funeral will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 8:30 from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road (Rte. 117) Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 in Saint Matthew Church, 1299 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston, burial will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. An evening of remembrance in honor of Bob with thoughts and observations will begin promptly at 7 pm on Wednesday, May 25 at Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made Special Olympics of Rhode Island, 370 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, RI 02917 - 1921 in Bob's memory would be appreciated. www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com