Avis de décès de Robert-F. Harrington - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

ROBERT F. HARRINGTON SOUTH BURLINGTON - Robert Fred Harrington, 75, a lifelong Vermonter, passed away on Monday January 18, 2010, at the Vermont Respite House in Williston. Bob was born on Sept. 21, 1934, in Bennington the son of the late Robert and Alice (Frost) Harrington. He attended Bennington High School and graduated from Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts. As an Industrial Arts and Vocational Education teacher, Bob took pride in having taught 3,000 plus students over the course of 35 years. He taught at the Weeks School in Vergennes, Otter Valley Union High School, Edmunds Junior High School and retired from Burlington High School in 1990. He was honored as "Teacher of the Year" for Vermont by the American Industrial Arts Association in 1968 and was a member of the international honorary professional fraternity, Epsilon Pi Tau. Bob also served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Bob belonged to many statewide fraternal organizations and was honored to serve in leadership positions including Past Master of Patriot Lodge #33 F. & A.M. (a 53 year member) and Past Patron of LaPlatte Chapter #64 in Hinesburg where he was a member for 34 years. He was a Past Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star of Vermont and was a member of Cairo Temple Shrine and Scottish Rite. Bob was also a member of the "Unpredictables," a singing group that brought joy to area nursing home residents and Eastern Star members. He treasured his family which included his wife of 54 years, Elaine Lynch Harrington, and his two daughters and son-in-laws: Dawn Francis, and her husband Kevin Francis of Hinesburg, and Brenda Ververis and her husband John Ververis of Richmond. He was especially proud of his two grandchildren, Kaitlin and Matthew Francis. He leaves behind five siblings and their spouses: Marjorie and Richard Winslow, Iva and Rupert Harrington, Fred and Janet Harrington, William and Cheryl Harrington and Linda and David Remington. A brother, Edward Harrington predeceased him. Bob also enjoyed family gatherings with his brother and sister-inlaw, Steve and Linda Lynch, his many cousins, nieces and nephews, and a favorite aunt, Marion Frost Hynick. Special lifelong friends included Rex and Betty Bell and Carlos Blakely. Bob's generosity, compassion, positive attitude and integrity will continue to inspire all of us throughout our lives. He leaves behind a legacy of thoughtful acts and products of his life's work and hobbies that we will all benefit from and treasure for years to come. He shared his expertise and love of woodworking with family and friends who were frequent visitors to his workshop. Bob's family extends their gratitude to the health care professionals who assisted our family, especially Dr. Dan Goodyear and the staff of Starr Farm Nursing Home and Vermont Respite House. We also appreciate the many family, friends, neighbors and caregivers who offered their loving support. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday January 23, 2010, at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church on St. Paul Street in Burlington. Calling hours will be held Friday January 22, 2010, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the A. W. Rich Funeral Home - Essex Chapel. A private family Masonic service will be held at the funeral home. An Order of the Eastern Star service will be held during the service at the First Baptist Church. A graveside Masonic service with burial will be held in the spring in the family lot in Hinesburg Village Cemetery, Hinesburg. Bob worked on behalf of numerous charitable organizations over the course of his life and if you wish to celebrate his life in this manner, consider singing in a nursing home, making someone laugh or volunteering for your favorite organization (his favorites were Vermont Special Olympics, the VNA of Chittenden County and the Vermont Respite House). Arrangements are by John D. Workman, A. W. Rich Funeral Home - Essex Chapel, 57 Main St. Essex Jct., Vt. 05452. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13