Gary J. Harrington

Gary J. Harrington, 81, of Grove Street, Homer, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025 surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Gary was born January 8, 1944, as son of the late Merton and Katherine Hopkins Harrington.

He was a 1962 graduate of Cortland High School and a 1966 graduate of SUNY Cortland.

Gary spent his career in education, teaching at Cortland Schools from 1967-1971. He retired from the Homer Central School district after 32 years, as a teacher and administrator.

Gary had served on the Vestry at Calvary Episcopal and Grace & Holy Spirit Churches.

He was a life member of the Homer Fire Department Hose Co. #1, where he had served as Lieutenant and Captain. He served the Village of Homer as a Trustee for eight years and was active member and supporter of the Homer Music Boosters.

A life member of the Homer Lodge #2506 B.P.O.E, volunteering countless hours and serving as Lodge Trustee.

Gary enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and musical performances. He loved to travel, read and talk about the weather.  

Surviving is his loving wife of 56 years, Joanne Tanner Harrington, his children, Gary ‘Buzz’ (Paula) Harrington of Homer; Jennifer (Bruce) Bristol of Chelmsford, MA and Samantha (Gerald) Hapgood of Cortland; his grandchildren, Morgan Fickett of Cortland; Olivia Harrington of Buffalo and Derek Fickett of Cortland as well as several nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

He was predeceased by a sister, Patricia Zlotucha and a niece, Julie Davis.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 U.S. Route 11, Homer.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday afternoon from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Homer Elks Lodge, 82 Cortland St., Homer.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Harrington’s name may be directed to the Portzline Day Program, 46 Cortland St., Homer, NY 13077 or to Hospice & Palliative Care Services, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045.

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