Gerald W. “Scorch” Harrington, age 79, of Vero Beach, Florida and formerly of Montpelier passed away Thursday October 15, 2015 in Merritt Island, Florida. He was born on July 12, 1936 in West Unity, Ohio to Harvey Leonard and Millie Faye (Schlegel) Harrington.
After his mother passed away when he was an infant, Scorch was lovingly raised by his Aunt Mable and Uncle Ira Schlegel. He was a 1954 graduate of Montpelier High School. Scorch proudly served his country in the United States Army as a communications specialist. He was devoted in marriage to Carolyn “Jean” (Sumner) Harrington and she preceded him in death.
Scorch was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Montpelier. He retired from Leaseway Transportation in Chicago, IL, where he started out as a terminal manager in 1972, and retired as the Vice President in 1987. He also worked for Mohawk as a driver. Scorch passed on his passion for the transportation industry to his sons, creating a third generation involved in the industry within their family.
He is survived by two sons, Todd (Diane) Harrington, of Belton, Missouri and Scot (Tania) Harrington, of Emporia, Kansas; one daughter, Sara (Frank) Remling, of Vero Beach, Florida; six grandchildren, Courtney, Aaron, Peyton, Madison, Grace and Chase; two brothers, Ralph (Shirley) Harrington of Greenville, Michigan and Mike (Pam) Harrington of Fort Collins, Colorado; and two sisters, Connie (Kent) Lamberson of Montpelier, Ohio and Merrie Harrington of Cincinnati, Ohio. Scorch cherished his family and friends and enjoyed the many good times he spent with them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jean, and one sister, Ina Mae Knecht.
Visitation for Scorch will be on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Thompson-Geesey Funeral Home on Empire Street in Montpelier. A service will immediately follow at 1 pm with Pastor Richard Blank to officiate. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier with Military Rites provided by the Montpelier Veterans.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com