Phillip L. Harrington
September 19, 1939 ~ May 19, 2019
Col. Phillip L. Harrington – USMC retired
September 19, 1939 – May 19, 2019
Col. Phillip L. Harrington, USMC retired, passed away at home in Arlington, VA on Sunday, May 19, 2019 after a long fight with cancer. He was cared for by his beloved wife of 24 years, Alice Harrington, and other family members. Born September 19, 1939, in Brunswick, MD he was the third child of his parents, Charles T. Harrington and Etta May Houser Harrington. He is survived by his four children Mark (Meg), Jennifer, Kristen (Arthur) and Shannon and stepson John Spargo (Jessica); and six grandchildren and other extended family.
After graduating from high school in 1957 Phil enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps. He achieved the rank of Corporal and then he was selected under the Meritorious NCO Commissioning Program for the Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA. In May 1961 he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. In 1965 he began flight training and a year later he was designated a Naval Aviator. Phil has had a variety of assignments in both helicopter and fixed-wing squadrons.
In April 1967 Captain Harrington was serving in Vietnam flying CH-46 helicopters. In May 1967, during a period of intense fighting and after surviving two crashes in previous days, he was badly injured in a third crash when his aircraft was downed by enemy fire. He was medically evacuated and received the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism.
In subsequent years he recovered and regained flight status, and received a Bachelors Degree with High Honors in Aviation Management from Auburn University (1974). He also earned a Masters in Systems Management from the University of Southern California (1982).
In November 1974 Major Harrington became the Executive Officer of Marine Observation Squadron One (VMO-1) comprised of OV-10 forward observation/light attack aircraft. He became the Commanding Officer of VMO-1 in October 1976; a post he held until June 1978. He was promoted to Lt. Col. in 1977.
Phil was promoted to full Colonel in April 1982 and served in various Headquarters positions within the Plans, Policies, and Operations Department. In 1985 Col. Harrington was assigned to the President’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management (the Packard Commission). In 1986 he served as one of two Military Fellows at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City. After serving 31 years he retired from the Marine Corps in 1988. His other awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, 2 Legion of Merit, 5 Air Medals and many others.
For the next 25 years, in a second career, he was the Practice Administrator for a large medical practice, the Baltimore-Washington Eye Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland. He managed strategic planning, the recruitment and training of many staff and technicians, an outpatient surgery center, an optical department and various satellite offices. He retired for good in 2013.
Then his training of agility dogs began in earnest. Phil and his Shetland Sheepdog, Yancy, earned many titles. He earned the admiration of his instructors and fellow competitors for his dedication and commitment to the sport. The dogs loved him as well as the pork rinds he would slip them.
He also coached his granddaughter Ella’s softball team for several years until his illness became too restrictive. He also coached the assistant coaches and brought cohesiveness and discipline to the team.
Another hobby of Phil’s was garden railroading. He began construction in the backyard of his Arlington home in 2001 and always had projects and revisions underway. In 2011 he won Second Place in the community garden club Garden of the Year Contest.
Cooking and grilling were also among his hobbies. Phil was a creative and excellent cook.
He was a religious man and loved the Lord and was ever faithful in all things.
Above all else Phil loved his family and they loved and respected him. Many people have appreciated him for his help with their careers and life choices. Phil’s most outstanding characteristic was his generosity. He was generous with his resources, his time and his talents, and he was always willing to take a chance on someone. Phil made us all better people.
September 19, 1939 – May 19, 2019
Col. Phillip L. Harrington, USMC retired, passed away at home in Arlington, VA on Sunday, May 19, 2019 after a long fight with cancer. He was cared for by his beloved wife of 24 years, Alice Harrington, and other family members. Born September 19, 1939, in Brunswick, MD he was the third child of his parents, Charles T. Harrington and Etta May Houser Harrington. He is survived by his four children Mark (Meg), Jennifer, Kristen (Arthur) and Shannon and stepson John Spargo (Jessica); and six grandchildren and other extended family.
After graduating from high school in 1957 Phil enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps. He achieved the rank of Corporal and then he was selected under the Meritorious NCO Commissioning Program for the Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA. In May 1961 he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. In 1965 he began flight training and a year later he was designated a Naval Aviator. Phil has had a variety of assignments in both helicopter and fixed-wing squadrons.
In April 1967 Captain Harrington was serving in Vietnam flying CH-46 helicopters. In May 1967, during a period of intense fighting and after surviving two crashes in previous days, he was badly injured in a third crash when his aircraft was downed by enemy fire. He was medically evacuated and received the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism.
In subsequent years he recovered and regained flight status, and received a Bachelors Degree with High Honors in Aviation Management from Auburn University (1974). He also earned a Masters in Systems Management from the University of Southern California (1982).
In November 1974 Major Harrington became the Executive Officer of Marine Observation Squadron One (VMO-1) comprised of OV-10 forward observation/light attack aircraft. He became the Commanding Officer of VMO-1 in October 1976; a post he held until June 1978. He was promoted to Lt. Col. in 1977.
Phil was promoted to full Colonel in April 1982 and served in various Headquarters positions within the Plans, Policies, and Operations Department. In 1985 Col. Harrington was assigned to the President’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management (the Packard Commission). In 1986 he served as one of two Military Fellows at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City. After serving 31 years he retired from the Marine Corps in 1988. His other awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, 2 Legion of Merit, 5 Air Medals and many others.
For the next 25 years, in a second career, he was the Practice Administrator for a large medical practice, the Baltimore-Washington Eye Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland. He managed strategic planning, the recruitment and training of many staff and technicians, an outpatient surgery center, an optical department and various satellite offices. He retired for good in 2013.
Then his training of agility dogs began in earnest. Phil and his Shetland Sheepdog, Yancy, earned many titles. He earned the admiration of his instructors and fellow competitors for his dedication and commitment to the sport. The dogs loved him as well as the pork rinds he would slip them.
He also coached his granddaughter Ella’s softball team for several years until his illness became too restrictive. He also coached the assistant coaches and brought cohesiveness and discipline to the team.
Another hobby of Phil’s was garden railroading. He began construction in the backyard of his Arlington home in 2001 and always had projects and revisions underway. In 2011 he won Second Place in the community garden club Garden of the Year Contest.
Cooking and grilling were also among his hobbies. Phil was a creative and excellent cook.
He was a religious man and loved the Lord and was ever faithful in all things.
Above all else Phil loved his family and they loved and respected him. Many people have appreciated him for his help with their careers and life choices. Phil’s most outstanding characteristic was his generosity. He was generous with his resources, his time and his talents, and he was always willing to take a chance on someone. Phil made us all better people.
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Dear Mrs. Harrington and family: I grew up in Brunswick on “Wenner’s Hill” just a block of so from “Lanny” (that’s what we called him then). I was much younger, but Lanny was the All American boy at Brunswick High School, and he set a high example. It just made sense that he would become a distinguished and heroic Marine officer. I never knew him well, but I have always admired him from afar. I will say Prayers for you and for your family, and for the good life and memories of Lanny. Jim Cox, Jr.
Col. Phillip L. Harrington, You have a very special place in my heart, thank you for all you did. You will be forever remembered. I will always remember you as my friend, Mentor, and boss. You always encouraged me, and believed in me. Thank you (Rest in Peace) Juanita Persaud
Heart broken doesn’t even describe how we all feel. You took a chance on me and made me a better person. I know how much you loved your family and I know they will miss you so much. Please save us a spot in heaven xoxo
A candle was lit for the decedent.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
He was an amazing administrator and you knew that things were in order under his guidance , he was a very kind and fatherly like gentleman. To the family iam Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Phillip Harrington. I consider one of my best friends. You will be dearly miss. RIP my friend.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Very best wishes to his family and friends.