Bert Leroy Harrington

Bert Leroy Harrington was born in Los Angeles, CA on January 2, 1944. Born to Anne and Jack Harrington, Bert moved often, attending 32 schools from grade school until he graduated from Southgate High School. During his high school years, he spent some time at Bellflower High School where he met Donna Leimbach. They reconnected at Cerritos College, dated and eventually married in March 1965. Bert enrolled in the apprentice ironworker program and during his studies, his father, Jack told him Disneyland was hiring. Bert began working at Disneyland in 1965 as an ironworker/ welder. While still working at Disneyland, Bert was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for 2 years and 1 day. When he was honorably discharged, he returned to Disneyland. After years as a welder, Bert worked his way up into management in the Facilities Division and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991. He retired from Disneyland as Safety Manager in 2010, after 45 years of employment.
Bert and Donna started their family in 1969, when Julie was born. They were blessed with another daughter Karen in 1974. Bert and Donna were active in church at Zion Lutheran, Anaheim, leading youth groups and sending both girls to school there. Bert also loved sports and when Richard Grice asked him to be a walk-on coach for both football and baseball, Bert couldn't say no. He loved mentoring and coaching in the early years at Lutheran High Orange. Later in life Bert developed a passion for cooking and could make an excellent crème brulee.
Bert loved his family and was a wonderful husband, dad and grandfather. He loved a good meal and a nice Crown Royal on the rocks. Bert loved to travel, entertain friends, and spend time with his family, especially his granddaughters, Marissa and Sarah. Bert and Donna made a wonderful life together for 53 years. They resided in Anaheim, CA.

Bert is survived by his loving wife Donna; Daughters; Julie O'Hagan and Karen Harrington; Son-in-law, Sean O'Hagan; Daughter-in-law, Michele Garcia; Granddaughters, Marissa Valdivia and Sarah Valdivia; Siblings; Brother and Sister-in-law, Michael and Teresa Pelphrey; Sister and Brother-in-law, Nancy and Cliff Tarpy; Aunt, Rose Chimick and his Niece, Nephews and Cousins. Bert was preceded in death by his parents, Anne Pelphrey and Jack Harrington and Brother Stephen Pelphrey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Braille Institute, https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/brailleinstitute

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.