Joseph H. Harrington III

Joseph H. Harrington III

1927 - 2015 DORSET, VT. Joseph H. Harrington III passed away peacefully at his North Port, FL home on Jan. 19, 2015. Born on June 29, 1927, Joe grew up in Dorset VT. He was the son of Joseph H. Harrington II and Anne (Pettibone) Harrington. Joe attended Burr and Burton Seminary until he left to join the United States Navy in 1944. He later acquired his High School diploma. As a young man from Vermont, Joe was shocked by the poor treatment of the sailors who were of color during this time of segregation. His commanding officer was African American, and Joe served as a lifeguard for the African American families at the Pensacola Naval Base during his training. The rest of his war service was aboard the USS Astoria. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Joe attended the Paul Revere School of Aeronautics in Patterson, NJ. He returned to Manchester, VT and began his life long career at the Manchester Center Post Office. He married Lorraine Perry on April 30th, 1955. Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman who was happiest chasing white tail deer and trout fishing. He was a founding member of the Dorset Sportsman's Club and a life time member of Trout Unlimited. Community Service was very important to him. He was the first president of the Manchester Little League and served for 34 years on the Manchester Fire Department, with four of those years as Chief. He was also active in the Dorset Players, as his parents had been founders. He was a Free Mason and past master of the Adoniram Lodge #42. Joe was a member and past commander of the Dorset American Legion, and the Harned Fowler Post VFW of Manchester Center. After retiring and moving to Florida, Joe joined the Sahib Shriners of North Port, FL and the North Port Amvets. He also enjoyed his membership in the US Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. A particular highlight of Joe's Florida retirement was being able to travel with his fellow WW2 veterans to Washington, D.C. as part of the Southwest Florida Honor Flight. They visited the war memorial and several other sites. He was a lifetime history buff, and this trip was very important to him. He never lost his interest in politics, and he was glad to live to see the first African American president of the United States despite him being a member of the wrong political party. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Lorraine. He is also survived by his four children; Jodi, Nikki, Joseph IV, and John. He has seven grandchildren; Eric, Amian, Eli, Perry, Quinn, Joe V and Mia. He has one great-granddaughter; Fiona. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert. Donations in his name may be made to the Manchester Fire Fighters Association, PO Box 612, Manchester Ctr., VT. A spring service and burial will be held in Manchester, VT at a date to be announced.