Bradford F. Harrington

Bradford F. Harrington

GONIC - Bradford F. Harrington died peacefully at his home on December 26, 2012. He was 86 years old.

Brad was the son of Violet DeMoranville Harrington and Herman F. Harrington. He graduated from Portsmouth High School, Class of 1944. He entered the Army at the age of 18 and served with the 745th Military Police Battalion during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Brad met and married Annie Ruth Lamper and settled in Gonic, N.H. He began working at Great Falls Products in Rochester, where he was employed for 37 years.

Brad was an avid and lifelong enthusiast for model building. He built hundreds of model airplanes in his lifetime and flew some in competitions. Whether modeling with plastic, wood or metal, Brad's true gift for building things with his hands knew no limitations. His attention to detail and consummate craftsmanship garnered him countless accolades and awards, including interest from various museums wishing to preserve his impressive work for generations to come. Brad especially had a passion for building wooden clocks, some so ornate and detailed that they won him his share of blue ribbons in the Rochester Fair. He also thoroughly enjoyed giving his clocks as gifts to friends and family members later in his life.

Brad's love for modeling was equaled only by his love for playing the guitar. He owned several guitars and ukuleles and could always be heard singing and playing to family around the holidays, a tradition that he derived great enjoyment from. Brad also had an avid appreciation for plants of all kinds and harvested his great cactuses every summer, while taking in the sun and enjoying his own personal view of the Cocheco River from his back deck. Brad's enthusiasm for learning new things was also evidenced by his passion for reading. The magnificent collection of military and aviation books that he amassed over his lifetime kept him sharp, witty and wise until the day he died. Brad also had a unique sense of humor and arsenal of jokes that kept him and his loved ones laughing all the time.

Brad loved anything and everything relating to aviation. He was a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Friends of the U.S. Air Force Museum, Air & Space Smithsonian, Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots' Association, The International Plastic Modelers Society and many other aviation organizations. In June of 2010, Brad made the trip to Washington, D.C., with Honor Flight New England, an organization dedicated to recognizing World War II veterans for their service.

Brad's other interests were motorcycling, cooking, and so many others that are too numerous to mention. He always lived life to the fullest and was still very eager to learn right up until his passing. Every day was a new adventure for him.

Brad is survived by a daughter, Bonnie H. Booth, of Franklin, Mass., and two sons, Frederick H. Harrington, of Portsmouth, and Kevin Harrington of Stratham. He leaves six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Frederick Harrington and Donald Harrington, and a sister, Marilyn Jewett. Brad is also survived by very dear friends, Claire Kelley and Bob Erickson, who spent time with him and enjoyed his company. He was predeceased by a son, Bradford F. Harrington, Jr., who died at the age of 1.

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