Dr. Walter Harrington

1943 - 2025

Dr. Walter Gerard "Jerry" Harrington, D.D.S., passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 3, 2025.

A proud alumnus of Case Western Reserve University, Jerry earned both his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the university. As an undergraduate, he was President of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, Vice-President of the IFC, Class Officer and Chairman of the IFC Judiciary Committee. Jerry graduated at the top of his class, and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society, in recognition of his academic excellence and leadership in the field of dentistry.

Following his graduation, Jerry joined the United States Air Force, where he served as a staff dentist and radiologist with honor and distinction. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain, carrying forward the discipline, integrity, and sense of duty instilled during his military service into every facet of his professional and personal life.

Jerry began his career in private dental practice before relocating to Richmond, Virginia, where he accepted a faculty appointment as Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the Medical College of Virginia (now part of Virginia Commonwealth University) in 1975. Over the course of three decades, he became a cornerstone of the dental school's academic community until his retirement in 2006. Known for his precision, high standards, and deep compassion for patients and students alike, he helped shape generations of dentists, many of whom continue to credit him as a formative influence in their careers and lives.

Dr. Harrington's legacy lives on in the thousands of students he mentored, the countless patients treated through his guidance, and the family who knew his fierce love, wisdom, and unwavering support.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. Nola Wolf Harrington; his children, David Harrington (Monica), Joy Harrington, and Megan Wolf Young (Mike); and his cherished grandchildren: Jack and Barrett Harrington, Hunter and Taylor Graue, and John and Alexandra Young. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, John Wolf; sister-in-law, Karen Wolf Moore; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Gerard and Marian Edwardine Harrington, and his in-laws, Gustave Henry and Marie Nolan Wolf.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End and Suncrest Hospice for their exceptional compassion and care in his final months.

A service celebrating Jerry's life will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 12291 River Road, Richmond, Virginia, on Friday, September 5, at 11:00 a.m. Friends, family, colleagues, and former students are warmly invited to attend and honor the life of a beloved educator, mentor, and patriarch.