Arthur C. "Sonny Boy" Harrington, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at his home in Charlestown. He was 82 years old.
Sonny Boy was born in Somerville on January 5, 1929 to the late Jeremiah and Christina (Hartnette) Harrington. He grew up in Charlestown where he attended Boston Public Schools. He enlisted into the United States Marine Corps on September 1, 1945 and served his country proudly and honorably during World War II. He was discharged on October 10, 1946 with the rank of Private First Class. He began working as a Merchant Seaman in 1953 and worked on several transport ships during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam Conflict and traveled throughout the world while working on several other ships. He retired in 1992 after 39 years of service as a Merchant Marine. Sonny Boys also enjoyed carpentry. He was a member of The Seafarers International Union and the Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association.
Sonny Boy is the beloved husband of 56 years to Mary E. (Toland) Harrington. He is the devoted father of Karl Harrington of South Boston, Elizabeth Harrington-Jefferson of Dorchester, Jeremiah Harrington of Honolulu, Hawaii, Julianna McCormick and her husband Frank of Charlestown, James Harrington of Everett, Arthur L. Harrington and his wife Patricia of North Reading, Leo Harrington and his wife Fabiola of North Andover and the late George Harrington. He is the loving Papa to 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is the beloved brother of Daniel "Danny Boy" Harrington of Norwood, Rose Langley of Wollaston, the late Dorothy Mullis, Raymond, Bernard and Jeremiah Harrington. He is the loving uncle of Christine Celata of Medford.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Arthur's Funeral on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown at 10 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m.