Daniel Conrad Harrington ’68, age 68, a resident of San Jose, passed away surrounded by his loving family on February 23. Dan is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Patricia Ann ’68, M.A. ’91 (Wright) Harrington; children Jennifer Harrington (Chris Derossi), Brigid Shaheen (Rodger), Colleen Fleming (Mark), Teresa "Tracy" Partridge (Craig); grandchildren Grayson and Miranda Derossi; Coleman and Casey Shaheen; Owen, William and Maeve Fleming; and Scarlett Partridge. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael Harrington and Tim Harrington, brother-in-law Michael Wright ’69 and nephew Ryan Wright ’99. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Kathleen "Katie" Hosford and his parents Walter and Teresa Harrington.
Dan was born in Salinas, California and raised in Redwood City. He attended elementary school at St. Joseph School in Menlo Park. A proud graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory (1964), Dan led the Bells to victories both on the football and baseball fields. He was inducted into the Bellarmine Athletic Hall of Fame for baseball in 1999 and was a member of the Hall of Fame 1963 football team. From Bellarmine, Dan went on to attend Santa Clara University during the heyday of Bronco baseball, where he continued to excel on the baseball field before graduating in June 1968. Dan cherished his Jesuit education and truly embodied the Jesuit philosophy of being a "Man for Others."
In September of 1968, he married Patti and they embarked on two years abroad in Germany where Dan served as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Air Defense Artillery division and Commanding Officer of the Hawk Missile Site in Bamberg. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication to duty. Upon returning to the Bay Area in 1971, Dan began a 43-year career in commercial insurance, most recently as Vice President at National Financial Partners (Thoits Insurance) where he dedicated 22 years of service.
Dan was a compassionate, faith-filled man with a quick Irish wit and an unforgettable smile. He taught us to love, to believe, and to laugh. His creative spirit shone through in his humor and his talent for writing. Dan had a way with words and he filled many a birthday card and valentine with heartfelt poems and sincere sentiments – all with beautifully perfect penmanship! Throughout his life, Dan was an active athlete, an avid San Francisco Giants fan, a car and music aficionado and a beach lover. He had a photographic memory – people, places, batting averages – he remembered it all.
Dan’s family was his greatest joy. He had an adoring and unwavering devotion to Patti, his best friend and the love of his life. He patiently raised a house full of daughters, and especially loved now being Papa to his eight grandchildren. In recent years, Dan could often be found cheering on the sidelines of their games, applauding them as they performed onstage, or simply enjoying their company at home. He was his kids’ biggest fan.
A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Dan is deeply loved and will be greatly missed. And just as he remembered everything, we will remember him. We will carry his legacy with us every day. As his three-year old grandson so poignantly said, "Papa left his heart here."
Dan was a long-time member of St. Martin of Tours Parish in San Jose.