John Ross Harrington

John R. Harrington, of Madison, CT, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. John was an avid chef, photographer, reader, sailor and tinkerer. He loved his family and cherished spending time with them more than anything else and had many adventures traveling and exploring with them.

John was born on August 5, 1942, in Syracuse, New York to Marion (nee Ross) and Leon Harrington, where he grew up along with his older brother Leon Harrington, Jr. He graduated from Syracuse University, majoring in Hospitality Management. A veteran, he served proudly in Vietnam. John enjoyed a successful career as an administrator at the Kent School in Kent, Connecticut. After retiring, John and his wife Linda split their time between Connecticut and Florida.

John is survived by his loving wife Linda (nee Kamb), his son and daughter-in-law Glenn and Laurie Smith of Madison, CT, his daughter Laurie Smith and her partner Tim Lorette of Dade City, FL, and his granddaughter Emily Shanahan, her husband Jake Shanahan and their daughter Lily Rose of Plymouth, NH, in addition to cherished friends. He will be held in their hearts and remembered always for his wonderful sense of humor, inquisitiveness, love of life and adventure, and devotion to his loved ones.

Services will be held privately. For those who would honor John’s memory, please donate in his name to the American Lung Association at lung.org.