MERIDEN - John Edward Harrington, 62, of Meriden, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Hartford Hospital.Born in Meriden on April 30, 1949, he was the son of the late Vincent O. and Edith F. Harrington. John, a longtime Meriden resident, worked for Strand Furniture of Wallingford, Partitions Inc. of Newington and the Petland Store in Meriden. Among his many interests and pleasures were playing his guitar and recording music (especially with his nephew, Brendan, and his friend, Dave), loving and caring for his pets and aquarium, reading, photography, artwork, woodworking and riding his "trike" (three wheel motorcycle) on a beautiful day. His family and friends were a source of great joy to him. John was also an accomplished drummer. At the age of five, he joined the Yalesville Junior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps. Because he was so little, he had to have a small drum made especially for him that he played until he grew into a standard drum. There were times while marching in a parade even his small drum became a bit too heavy for him, so his Dad would walk aside him to help carry the drum. He played with the group for 13 years and became an award winning snare drummer. He also played for a time with Burgundy Hills Drum Corps of Meriden. John was a simple and humble man defined not by his accomplishments but by his character and iron will. His nature was sweet and caring, understanding and compassionate. He always found and emphasized the best part of an individual. Although his liver and kidneys ultimately failed him, his heart remained vibrant. He stayed good natured and kind throughout his life, standing as an inspiration and example of courage, fortitude and perseverance.John is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his sister, Susan Rush, and her husband, John (Jack), of Meriden; his niece, Pamela Guest and her husband, Joseph, of Meriden; his nephews, Sean Rush and Timothy Malin, of Higganum, and Brendan Rush and his wife, Kristen, of Meriden; his great-niece, Megan Guest; his great-nephew, John Guest, both of Meriden. He also leaves behind his special friends, Holly, Ray and Jennifer Kopcza.His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext., Wallingford on Wednesday, April 4, from 4 until 8 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.www.wallingfordfh.com