PAUL F. HARRINGTON Jr.

HARRINGTON Jr., PAUL F. Paul F. Harrington, Jr., of El Cajon, September 14, 1945 to December 4, 2010. Beloved Father, Brother, and precious Friend to all who knew him, passed into the loving arms of God after a valiant yearlong battle against gastric cancer. Paul was born in Richmond, VA the second of two children to Paul F., Sr. and Ruth M. Harrington. In August 1961, Paul moved to San Diego (SD) and graduated from University of San Diego High School in June 1963. Paul was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1966, and was sent to Vietnam where he was promoted quickly to Specialist-5 and served in combat zones. Paul received the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert in M-14 Weapon Medal, two Over Seas Bars and his active duty ended in June 1968. He returned to SD, but remained on Standby Reserve until Honorable Discharge, June 1972. Paul resumed his education at San Diego State University where he graduated in 1971 with Honors and received a B.S. in Math and Physics, and Minor in Business. During his last semester at SDSU, Paul was offered a position in research at Scripps Institute Research Lab in La Jolla. However, he declined the offer for higher salary as a mechanic at a local auto repair shop, where he later became manager. In 1974 ,Paul was hired as Sr. Development Technician with a nationally known aircraft company, which initiated his technical career spanning 30+ years, and then recently was self-employed in electronics systems and computers. In 1982, Paul voluntarily joined Alcoholics Anonymous, was an active member for 15 years, and remained sober for 20+ years. Paul was certified at CET in Electronics and Computer Technology in 1983 and also at SDSU in Electronic Network Analysis I & II in 1989. In March 1990, Paul was blessed with his son, William. Trips to the beach, surfing, hiking, camping, travel, throwing "hoops", movies, and video games, were special. In the summer of 2007, Paul joined Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and remained clean until his passing. Paul was very active in NA and performed the responsibilities of Secretary, Leader and Treasurer at daily meetings conducted at Wells Park in El Cajon and mentored NA newcomers. Rain or shine, Paul was there and was of great service to those in the NA community until he was too ill to participate. Everyone loved Paul, both within and outside the NA community-his charming smile, caring manner, positive outlook on Life, sensitivity to the needs of others and willingness to help. Paul was a shining role model to all who knew him, and his "star" will shine brightly in our hearts and memories forever. Paul is survived by his son William Harrington and sister Joan Clark. A Memorial Service and Viewing will be The Neptune Society, 14065 Hwy 8 Bus. in El Cajon, on Monday, Dec. 13, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. His ashes will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Dr., San Diego, on Saturday, Dec. 18th, 2 p.m. Graveside. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Narcotics Anonymous.