In Memoriam Educators from Melrose High School Class of 1976

Obituary Born June 20, 1925 in Malden, MA, to the late Arthur J. Harrington, Sr. and Gertrude (Monahan) Harrington, he deeply loved his hometown and warmly reminisced about Granny Cross’ home on Main Street, family times on Vernon Street, the “Mount Kids,” and Coytemore Lea. In 1941 he joined the U.S. Navy where he served four years in the Pacific mostly on the U.S.S. Chourre. Returning home he completed undergraduate studies at Indiana State and graduate studies at Boston State College. For more than forty years Arch was a dedicated, caring English teacher. He is remembered by colleagues and students at Melrose High School and Wakefield Junior High School for his dry wit, “sartorial splendor,” poem of the day, and not least of all his whistling. Right up to his final days he was thinking, discussing and philosophizing about education. He never lost his love for the classroom or his enjoyment of young people and learning. After retiring from the classroom, he returned to it at age 72 enrolling at Suffolk University. Arch was a member of the National Education Association, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, a proud member of the Democratic Party and an enthusiastic member of the Kernwood Boys Dinner Association. Arch loved nothing more than a good book of poems, a quiet night at home, and the companionship of his wife and family. He leaves behind his loving wife of more than fifty-four years, Ann Russell Harrington of Portland, formerly of Malden, his children Ann Marie Malone and her husband Joe of Portland, Mark Harrington, of Dallas, Texas, and Peter Harrington and his wife Lauren of Portland. Grandchildren Ali, Samantha, and Lucas Malone, Joe and Blake Harrington, all of Portland, survive their “Beama” who made their lives special with his unconditional love. His grandchildren were a special part of his life and the fun and joy they brought was something he treasured. Whether it was dissecting a poem, making pancakes, or watching the Backyardigans, Arch loved being with them. Also surviving Arch are his brother Walter Harrington and wife Shirley of Wakefield, MA and sisters Mildred Harrington of Stoneham, MA, Mary Adams of Malden, MA and Betsy Waite and her husband Carl of Malden, MA. He was predeceased by his beloved sister Shirley Smail and her husband Ernest of Stoneham, MA. “Uncle Arch” was deeply loved by his in-laws and will be missed by Mary and Phil McGonagle of North Berwick, Maine and Lois Russell of Stoneham, MA. He was predeceased by his brothers in law Joe, Frank, and Stevie Russell. Dozens of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews mourn Uncle Arch’s passing and are grateful for the fun, gentle love and letters he brought to their lives. The family invites all who knew and loved Arch to an open house at the home of Ann Marie and Joe Malone, 30 Highland Street, Portland, on Sunday, October 30, 2011 from 1:00 – 6:00 P.M. to share memories and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, Arch would want everyone to fill a glass with scotch, find a good poem, and raise a toast to the bard. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. November 26, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Church, 673 Stevens Ave, Portland, Maine. Interment with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland. Arrangements are in the care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home. 199 Woodford Street, Portland. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Arch’s guestbook.

Page Updated: April 18, 2026 In Memoriam - Melrose High School - Class of 1976 - Melrose Mass