Thomas E. Harrington Sr. 1931-2012
Thomas E. Harrington Sr. passed away at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday (Aug. 8, 2012) at home in Champaign.
Tom was born March 2, 1931, in Urbana, the son of Earl C. and Genevieve E. Harrington. He attended Holy Cross School and Champaign High School, graduating as a member of the 1949 class known as the 49er's. Tom loved athletics and lettered in golf, basketball and football in high school. He attended the University of Illinois, graduating in 1953 and was a member of varsity golf team from 1950 to 1953. He then graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law school in 1955.
Tom married Andrea Gunn on Aug. 21, 1954, in Danville, and she survives. They raised four sons, Tom Harrington Jr. (Barb) of Champaign, Dan Harrington (Marianne) of Delray Beach, Fla., Tim Harrington (Kris) of Champaign and Steve Harrington (Lee) of Cocoa Beach, Fla. He is also survived by grandchildren, Elizabeth Wellman (Rob) of Indianapolis, Thomas E. Harrington III of Peoria, Patrick Harrington, Andrew (Emily) Harrington, Danielle (Ryan) Bender, Blakely Harrington, Richard Harrington, Jack Harrington, Joe Harrington, Genevieve Harrington, Kassie Jones and Kyler Jones, all of Champaign, and Amelia Harrington, Michael Harrington, Hannah Jane Harrington and Katherine Harrington, all of Cocoa Beach, Fla.
Also surviving are brother and sister-in-law, Donald J. Porter and Peggy Porter of Urbana. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law, W. Kenneth Porter and Leta Porter, and sister, Sister Teresa Ann Harrington OSB.
Tom started his law career in 1955 by joining Busch and Harrington to practice with his father Earl who was a founding partner in 1922. He was appointed Champaign County Public Defender in 1957 and served until 1959, then rejoined the law firm where he worked along side brother Kenny, where he practiced law for over 50 years. The family firm added his son Dan and later grandsons Patrick and Andrew to create a four-generation succession in practicing law at the office now known as Harrington and Tock.
During his law career he served as local counsel to the University of Illinois and worked on a variety of significant cases on their behalf.
Tom was active in the business community throughout his career. He and longtime partner George Shapland were very active in the residential subdivision business in the area including numerous subdivisions in south and southwest Champaign, helping to shape the community in the process. In addition they were involved in a number of commercial projects as well. He was also a founding partner in Premium Brands Distributors.
Tom was active in charitable causes including St. Matthew Catholic Church, where he was an initial parishioner. He served as the lead fundraiser for the School of St. Thomas More, where the school gymnasium is named in his honor. He was made a Knight of St. Gregory by the Vatican for his work with the high school and other charitable works. It was a lifelong dream of his to have a Catholic high school in Champaign.
He also served on the Carle Foundation Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1997, including acting as the chairman of the board from 1991 to 1993.
He was an Honorary Varsity "I" Man recipient in 1989 and cheered on the Illini with passion all his life. As an avid Cub fan he not only honeymooned at Wrigley Field but enjoyed a day there with his entire family on their 50th wedding anniversary.
He loved golfing with family and friends. He was at home at both Champaign Country Club, where he served as president in 1971, and Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach, Fla., again serving as president at his winter favorite in 1983. He was rewarded for his efforts by achieving a hole in one at each course.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family requests memorial contributions be made in the name of Thomas E. Harrington Sr. to The High School of Saint Thomas More, (3901 N. Mattis Ave. Champaign, IL 61821), or to The Carle Development Foundation (611 W. Park St. Urbana, IL 61801).