John Harrington, OFM

1926 – 1981

Br. John Harrington, OFM, was born on Aug. 14, 1926 in Roxbury, Mass. After graduation from high school, Br. John served in the United States Army for two years as a railroad military policeman, a checker, and a dispatcher. In 1949, he became a tertiary brother at St. Anthony Friary, Butler, N.J. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1951, professed temporary vows one year later, and made his solemn profession in 1955.

Br. John served as a cook at ministries in East Rutherford, N.J., and Paterson until he volunteered to go to the Province’s mission in Brazil. For 14 years, Br. John served as porter and cook for the friars in Anapolis, Araguacema, Catalao, Cristalandia, Pires do Rio, and Porangatu. In 1970, he returned to the United States, spending a year serving at St. Elizabeth Parish in Denver, before returning to St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, where he spent the next 10 years as porter.

Br. John was devoted to his duties and was a model of hospitality to all who visited the friary. He was a devout friar who served Holy Name Province with a smile.

He died on Oct. 12, 1981 at St. Francis Hospital in Olean, N.Y. Br. John was 55 years old and a professed friar for 29 years.