John Peter Harrington

Born June 11, 1947 in Carteret, N.J. to John and Doris Harrington, Jack was defined by his Catholic faith — raised in its traditions, educated in its schools, and guided by its teachings.

A gifted storyteller (most often about the nuns of Saint Joseph School in Carteret, the monks of Newark, N.J.’s Saint Benedict's Prep, and the Jesuit University of Scranton), Jack was both the loudest and humblest in the room — and in that room, everyone gravitated to him. He started conversations with anyone, especially those who looked like they simply needed a friend. He only wanted to make a positive impact on your life.

At the height of the Vietnam War, Jack voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, deploying as a commissioned officer in the First Marines. For his combat valor, Jack was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, citing his “courage and composure under fire” and “initiative, superb professionalism, and loyal devotion to duty,” which included joining two fellow Leathernecks in risking their own lives to save a group of Vietnamese children who had wandered into a minefield. The Secretary of the Navy described Jack as “instrumental in establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between the Marines and Vietnamese civilians” and he was further honored by the allied South Vietnamese military.

After honorable discharge, he carried his Catholic faith and the Corps values of discipline and honor throughout his life. He married Mary Lou Farley, they had four children, and he became legendary among his peers in medical sales. Later, as a single father — and through their boys’ soccer friendship — he met the love of his life, Michelle “Mimi” Anderson. They spent 26 years together. He’d say she was the best thing that happened not only to him but to his entire family, which only grew with her. Mimi preceded him in death seven months ago, and while his heart didn't have time to recover, it never would have anyway.

Through many trials, Jack never lost his faith nor his lifelong devotion to family: “Tough to say some things in person, but I do want to say I love each and every one of you,” he wrote to them just days before he appeared on a bench at the gates of Heaven, before St. Peter, to review his life (which is how he said this part happens). Jack always sought reassurance from his priest that he was a good man, and the priest always gave it.

Jack was a steadfast cheerleader at countless school events, sports games, and concerts for his kids and grandkids. He was a man of routine and simple joys: he woke early, made his bed, and never missed Sunday Mass. He shared ridiculous stories — working himself into fits of laughter — and told them best in a room filled with his loud and loving Jersey family. He was a lifelong fitness enthusiast and a regular at ACAC Midlothian, where his friendships spanned generations. He loved dogs — one area of his life where he lacked discipline, to their benefit — and leaves behind his beloved hound of 12 years, Ruby.

Jack is survived by his sister, Marilyn Leahy of Ocean Gate, N.J., who calls him “my best friend” and by his childhood nickname, “Jackie”; sons Sean (Lisa) and Kevin (Catherine); daughters Cristin Kelley (Jeff) and Meghan McAdams (Mike); and stepsons he considered his own, Ian and Patrick (Ashley) Anderson. He showed up for his grandchildren: Courtland, Ryann, Juniper, Cullen, Luke, Axel, Maggie, Nora, Julia, Eleanor, Bridget, and Reid. And he loved his nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held June 12 at noon at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Bon Air, with funeral liturgy to follow at 1 p.m. The next day, Capt. Harrington and Michelle will be interred at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Catholic Relief Services or the Richmond Fisher House Foundation.