John F. "Jack" Harrington

John Francis "Jack" Harrington, 87, of Fall River, died Saturday at Charlton Memorial Hospital after a long illness. He leaves his loving companion of 32 years Jeanne Dumont and her three children, Michelle Vezina of Fall River, Cheryl Dumont of Providence, and Mark Dumont of Fall River, who, with their spouses and families, were a major part of his day-to-day life over the years. He also leaves his sister Maureen Harrington of Fall River who was born on the same day and month. For 85 years, they shared life and celebrated their birthdays together with the same cake. Jack was predeceased by his older brother William Harrington, Jr. but was always close to his brother's family. He leaves his sister-in-law Eleanor Harrington of Dennis, his nieces and nephews-William Harrington, III of Cranston, Kathleen Humphrey of Barnstable, John Harrington of Yarmouth, (his late niece) Eileen Bowman of Texas, Michael Harrington of Florida, and Paul Harrington of Pennsylvania, and their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Finally, he leaves his lifelong friend Tommy Tanous of Swansea who shared the good times and bad times with him from the time they were young children on Tremont Street. Jack was born in Fall River in 1927 and was one of the three children of the late William Harrington, Sr. and Catherine Madden. He was a graduate the B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River. He also attended the Bradford Durfee Technical Institute (later merged into what is now the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth) where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. After graduating, he worked for almost 40 years as a chemist in the textile industry at locations in the Fall River area as well as in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Jack will be remembered by many for the smile he could bring to their face when he, with his faithful dog Nikie draped across his lap, would tell one of his many stories or break into a song when someone would utter a phrase that reminded him of some old lyrics. He will also be remembered for his poetry for which he was dubbed by one columnist "the chemist poet of Fall River." In 2010, he self-published a book of his poetry for family and friends. Following cremation, there will be a Mass said in Jack's memory at St. Joseph's Church at 1335 North Main Street in Fall River on Saturday, October 11, at 9:00 AM. Burial, St. Patrick Cemetery. All family and friends are invited. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.