John E. Harrington

John E. Harrington, age 80 of Stamford, and Amagansett, N.Y., died at home on August 8, 2011. He was born in New York City on July 19, 1931, to Michael, a New York City Transit dispatcher, and Lily (Shea), a homemaker and guidance counselor at New York University. John's parents were both immigrants from Ireland. John was the oldest of three children, all boys. He attended Holy Spirit grammar school, Bronx, N.Y., where he was an altar boy. John graduated from All Hallows High School in the Bronx. Graduating first in his class from the State University Maritime College, Bronx, N.Y., as the "cadet demonstrating the highest proficiency at sea," he was lauded for his extraordinary organizational abilities, qualities that would serve him throughout his life and business career. John saw active service in the U.S. Navy, from 1953 to 1955, as Lieutenant Junior Grade. He also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for several years, ultimately becoming a full lieutenant. He married Joan Tubridy on October 15,1955. They were married for 56 years and had five children and three grandchildren. John joined New York Telephone, New York, N.Y., in 1955 as a manager and junior accountant. He received a Masters Degree in Business Administration from New York University in 1957. He rose through the ranks of New York Telephone to become a vice president and Controller. Ultimately, he became Chief Financial Officer of AT&T Communications. He retired in 1987. John was a member of the New York State Maritime College Class of 1953 Association, serving as its president for many years. He was also an avid sailor on the waters of eastern Long Island and a member of the East Hampton Yacht Club. He held a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license. He is survived by his wife and four children, John, David (Laura), and Joanne, all of Stamford; and Michael (Kristen) of Prairie Village, Kan.; and three grandchildren: Kathryn, Christian, and Kevin, all of Stamford. He was pre-deceased by his youngest child, Kevin, in 1983. His family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Summer Sea Term Expense Fund at New York State Maritime College, Bronx, New York. The funeral mass will be held Friday, 10:30, a.m., at Holy Spirit Church, Scofieldtown Road, Stamford. He will be interred at Queen of Peace Cemetery on Rockrimmon Road, Stamford. Calling hours will on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Leo P. Gallagher, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford. www.leopgallagherstamford.com