Robert (Bob) J. Emmett Harrington, beloved husband of Roberta M. (Caterino) Harrington, passed away in their home at the age of 95 on Thursday, May 29, 2025, a holy day of obligation, the Ascension of Jesus, surrounded by his devoted family.
Born in North Cambridge, Massachusetts on March 6, 1930, he is the youngest child of the late Maurice and Annie (McCabe) Harrington.
Bob served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War before joining UPS as a member of Local 25. He then embarked on a distinguished 31-year career in law enforcement, spending 29 years as a South Boston Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) Police Officer and retiring from the Massachusetts State Police after two years of service.
He was an active member of the Billerica Knights of Columbus, the Billerica Lodge of Elks, and a dedicated Billerica Town Meeting Member. His greatest commitment was to St. Andrew Catholic Church of North Billerica, where he found strength, comfort, and community for over 66 years. With unwavering faithfulness, he served in numerous roles; Treasurer, Boy Scout leader, Usher, and Organizer of Church events, leaving a lasting impact through his devotion and generosity. Fueled by his dedication of charitable giving, he made it a priority to support more than 30 organizations every month, touching lives and uplifting communities far and wide.
Throughout their time together, Bob and Roberta pursued a shared goal: to visit every state in the continental United States. From scenic road trips across interstate highways to spontaneous detours, their travels were shaped by breathtaking sights, captivating stories, and unforgettable experiences. Along the way, they embraced the beauty and diversity of the nation, discovering a profound sense of connection to both the places they visited and the individuals they met.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Kerrie J. Harrington of Hudson, NH, and his two sons, Kevin R. Harrington of Billerica, MA, and Kenneth R. Harrington and his wife, Susan, of Slidell, LA.
He is loved and cherished by his eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Robert K. Harrington and his wife, Erin, along with their children, Audrey and Everly; Michael A. Harrington and his partner, Adela Cantor; Shannon M. Harrington and her fiancé, Alexander Kaddoura, along with their children, Emmett and Lila; Dakota J. Walters along with her children, Seth and Spencer; Chase K. Helms, Christopher S. Lindquist, Cheyenne T. Helms, Brooke L. Wheeler, Carleigh P. Wheeler. He is forever adored and dearly treasured by both his caring in-laws and his vast, loving family of nieces and nephews, who know him as a constant source of joy and warmth in their lives.
Bob is predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Thomas, Maucie, Dennis, Albert, George, Maurice Jr., William, Jeremiah, Joseph, Margaret Calvert, Mary Merrill, Ann Donahue, Helen Maniscalco, as well as Ruthie Ryan and Bernard Stepanouskus.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Road, Billerica, MA. A Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish in St. Andrew Catholic Church, 45 Talbot Avenue, North Billerica, MA 01862. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Fox Hill Cemetery, 130 Andover Road, Billerica, MA 01862. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Previous Events
Visitation
4
Jun
66 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Funeral Mass
5
Jun
45 Talbot Ave.
N. Billerica , MA 01862
Burial
5
Jun
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
