Robert Edward Harrington Jr.

Robert Edward Harrington, Jr. was born in Ludington, Michigan on June 4, 1939 to Robert Edward Harrington, Sr. and Wilda Jane Agens Harrington; and the world was never the same. He was soon followed by the births of his sister, Kathy (Harrington) Silvaggio and brother Mark Harrington; all of whom including his step-mother Irene, preceded him in death.
At the tender age of 16, and with a strong patriotic sense, he joined the delayed entry program of the US Navy and, upon graduation from high school, began his long Naval career. By the age of 19 he had sailed around the world, crossing the equator twice, and serving during the Vietnam War. But, with all his achievements, the one he was most proud of was meeting the Irish lass who would steal his heart. Being stationed in Boston, Mass. He was set up on a blind date and, after a whirlwind courtship of only 3 weeks, he married Carmel Patricia Hoare of Dublin on July 18th, 1963. This began their 54 year adventure together which included the addition of 2 daughters and a son; Denise Harrington Riehle and husband Brian of Grayling, Michigan, Karen Harrington of Syracuse, Indiana, and Rob Harrington and wife Mandie of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Bob, as he liked to be called, perfected many skills along the way; mediating fights between teenage daughters, proudly and loudly yelling words of encouragement during cross country matches, and successfully performing CPR on hamsters, just to name a few. The skills that were the most effortless for him, but the most impactful to anyone who knew him, were meaningful hugs and the ability to make those around him feel like they were loved and valued. If you ask anyone to describe Bob in a few words, most likely they would say "He gave the best hugs".
Bob retired from the US Navy after 22 years and moved to Grayling, Michigan where he managed a radio station, actively participated in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, hosted a Saturday morning radio show featuring big band music, and was known around town as "Big Band Bob".
From Northern Michigan he moved to Syracuse, Indiana and eventually retired to Arcadia, Florida; where he became an avid golfer, armadillo trapper, assisted with local food banks and charities and was a very active parishioner in is beloved St. Edmunds Episcopal Church (where he celebrated 75 years as an acolyte). He had many friends, discovered distant family in the area, and cherished the time he and Carmel spent with their friends Wayne and Rose Gifford.
He was preceded in death by Carmel who passed in 2017 after a short illness. He remained active with his dog Bruiser, his BMW Z4 convertible he affectionately named "Baby" and his special friend Pat Novean.
Bob passed away, after a very short and unexpected illness, on Dec 12, 2023 in Goshen, Indiana with his three children at his bedside, ushering him on to his final eternal adventure. He is survived by his three children, 9 grandchildren (one of whom shares a birthday), 12 great-grandchildren who affectionately called him "Poppy", his beloved sister-in-law Bernadette "Bernie" and numerous nieces and nephews both in the US and across the pond in Ireland.
The visitation will begin at 10:00AM Saturday, January 27th held at St. Edmund The Martyr Episcopal Church, 327 W. Hickory Street, Arcadia, Florida 34266. The celebration of his life, with full military honors, will follow at 11:00AM. A luncheon will follow the service at Cantina Clubhouse in Arcadia Village.
Online condolences may be made at: www.pongerkaysgrady.com.
Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.
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