Albert “Al” Joseph Harrington

Albert “Al” Joseph Harrington, a beloved figure in the Nashua athletic community, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Al was born on July 6, 1941, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to the late Albert Harrington and Mildred “Millie” Harrington (Legg). From a young age, his passion for sports and mentorship was clear. He graduated from Boston Latin School, where he developed the foundation of his lifelong commitment to athletics. He went on to earn both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in education and physical education from Boston University, further preparing him for a distinguished career dedicated to youth, education, and athletics.

Al began his professional journey as an assistant athletic director at Bentley College (now Bentley University), where he also served as an assistant basketball coach. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Bentley University Hall of Fame in 1992.

In the late 1970s, Al accepted the position of athletic director for the Nashua School District, a role he held with distinction until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure, he presided over one of the most celebrated eras in Nashua athletics. Among his many accomplishments were the establishment of the school’s first weight room, the founding of the Friends of NHS Athletics, and the development of summer programs in collaboration with Parks and Recreation.

Al’s impact extended well beyond administration. He was also a beloved teacher and coach at Fairgrounds Junior High, where he inspired generations of students and athletes with his knowledge, encouragement, and care. His unwavering dedication to the community earned him numerous honors, including induction into the Boston Latin School Hall of Fame and the Holman Stadium Sports Legends Hall of Fame in 2022. He was posthumously inducted into the Nashua Athletics Hall of Fame in the spring of 2025, an honor announced shortly before his passing.

Outside of his professional life, Al was a passionate golfer and a longtime member of the Nashua Country Club, where he spent countless joyful hours on the course with friends and family.

Al will be remembered not only for his tireless work in education and sports but also for his kindness, humility, and the countless lives he touched along the way. His legacy is one of service, mentorship, and a deep commitment to the betterment of his community.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen Moran Harrington; his son, Joseph Harrington; his daughter, Christine Rynne; son-in-law, Joe Rynne; and his cherished granddaughter, Kaileigh, of whom he was incredibly proud. Al also leaves behind his brothers, David Harrington and his wife Jeanne, Edward Harrington and his wife Jeannette; his sister, Barbara Hourihan and her husband Johnnie; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday April 11th from 4pm – 7pm in the Dumont-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Ferry Street in Hudson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10am in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street in Nashua. All are asked to please meet at church. Burial will be held in St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Following the burial service in the cemetery, a celebration of Al’s life will be held to honor his memory and the lasting impact he made on the city of Nashua. Please join the family at Odd Fellows Brewing Co, 124 Main St, Nashua NH. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Al’s memory, to support ongoing research and assistance for those affected by the disease: https://www.alz.org/manh. To share an online message of condolence, please visit www.dumontsullivan.com