CHELMSFORD - J. Dennis Harrington, a longtime resident of Chelmsford passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at age 75 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dennis was born on March 15, 1940 in Lowell, the son of the late James C. and Louise M. Harrington.

A 1957 graduate of Chelmsford High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1958, stationed at Travis Air Force base in California. During this time he met his wife, the late, C. Andree Yerkes. He was honorably discharged as Airman first class (A1C), and returned home to Massachusetts to raise his family.

After his military service, he joined the Pipefitters Association Local Union 537. In his mid career until retirement, he worked at M/A-COM as the facility manager, where he met his long-time companion Susan Olson. During his career he built strong relationships, many of which transitioned beyond the workplace to become trusted and treasured friends.

He was a 50 year member of the Chelmsford Elks and played golf for the Hynes’ Golf league for 20 years. Dennis was a passionate angler, and enjoyed trout fishing the local area ponds. He also took two trips to Alaska to salmon fish. Dennis especially enjoyed football. He coached Chelmsford Pop Warner for 10 years, and took breaks from meticulously maintaining his yard to watch the Patriots, Notre Dame, and Chelmsford High football games.

He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Harrington and his wife Mary of Spring, TX; Shaun Harrington and his wife Carla of Westminster, MA; Denise Harrington of Manchester, NH; his brother, John and his wife Linda of Chelmsford, MA. He’s also survived by his longtime companion Susan Olson, and her children, Wendi McShane, Paul Olson and his wife Cathleen of Littleton, MA; 10 grandchildren, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Blake Funeral Home, 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford, MA on Thursday from 4 until 8 PM.

His celebration Mass will be held on Friday at 11 o’clock at St Mary Parish, 25 North Rd., Chelmsford.

PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH.

Interment will follow at the Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Parish or Circle Home, Inc, 847 Rogers St., Lowell, MA 01852.

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