Richard W. (Dick) Harrington of Bedford, NH, died after a long and valiantly fought battle with Alzheimer’s on July 27, 2026, at Bowman Place, Bedford, NH. He was born September 24, 1933, in Everett, MA. Following High School graduation, Dick spent the next four years as an Air Force radar technician with the SAC 15th AF Bomber Wing. Returning to Everett in 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Joanne M. (Harris) Harrington.
He entered the workforce as an electronics technician/engineer at Raytheon Co., Waltham, MA. During his 8 years at Raytheon, he attended Northeastern University evenings where he received a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and Quality Assurance. Other industry positions held include Quality Program Manager at Itek Corporation, Lexington, MA, and Division Quality Manager at Sanders Associates, Nashua, NH. He left industry in 1971 and settled in Exeter, NH, where he and a partner purchased Rusty’s Taxi and built and operated the Exeter Car Wash Co. on Portsmouth Ave in Exeter. Following the sale of the businesses in 1977, he accepted a senior business consulting position at General Systems Co., a Berkshire Mass. business consultant firm serving Fortune 500 national and international corporations. During his twenty-two years at General Systems Co., he worked with major national and international corporations to include Alfa Romeo, DAF Trucking, and CSX Transportation. He retired in 2000, returning to Southern New Hampshire, where he and his wife and best friend, Joanne, enjoyed many years with family with extended holidays in both Prince Edward Island and Melbourne Beach, Florida.
Dick was predeceased by his father Fred C. Harrington, 16-year State Representative from Everett, MA, and mother Mary M. (Cronin) Harrington, wife Joanne (Harris) Harrington, son Mark R. Harrington of Exeter, NH, brothers Paul F. Harrington of Greenfield, MA, and John J. Harrington of Everett, MA, and sister Rosemary M. Malloy of Medford, MA. Surviving family members, a son Daniel Harrington and daughter-in-law Cynthia (Hunt) of Merrimack NH, a daughter-in-law Lea (Fortin) Harrington of Exeter, NH, and grandchildren Lindsey White and husband Ryan of Belgrade, MT, Neal Harrington and wife Kayla of Merrimack, NH, and Natalea Harrington of Exeter, NH, as well as several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Thanks to all the staff at Bowman Place who cared for him as he declined and appreciated his bright blue eyes, fun-loving personality and ability to face adversity with both a strong sense of humor and courage.